Shift problems with a 94 Ford Escort GT A/T

I have a 94 ford escort gt with a 4eat transmission. When I put the vehicle in gear I have to rev it up to get it to move. After getting it moving it shifts hard and doesn't seem to down shift into first. On the highway when you put it to the floor it down shifts then up shifts quickly then downshifts again. Had the trasmission rebuild 5000 kms ago and the fluid smells and looks new still. Hope you can give me some ideas. Thanx Dave