1992 Honda Accord Hesitation at 1800 RPM under load

Hello all,

The honda starts right up, idles fine, and drive fine except when the RPMs hit 18-2000 when under load.
it bucks and chokes lite popping (backfires)

I can push thru it once over 3000 problem goes away. Or grab a lower gear and punch it.
Fine on the freeway.

twice the check engine lite has come on. Then off the next startup. This has been going on for 6 months.
I am able to drive it. But its not ready for my daughter.

Which way should I go?

Thanks
David in Seattle