Acceleration Disfunction

Ps. Forgot to mention that when I made the attempt to drive home, and when it started to slowly decrease, I did try to drive it in the other gears, but there was so change in it's behaviour. Also, I checked both the oil, because a few weeks ago, there was an odd smell coming from underneath the hood. So I thought that oil may have leaked onto one of the hoses, and the hose may have started to melt. And I checked the transmission fluid, and also the power steering fluid, because of the whining sound when I would turn the steering wheel. Please forgive my loquacious characteristic personality trait. I have an OCD condition that makes me elaborate every detail as thoroughly as possible. Again, thank you for any help that you can provide.

My 98 neon was doing something very similar. For like a year my car would sputter and on occasion I could get it up to 50 mph but most of the time I could only get to about 30. I had 77 miles to drive to work and I had to use the slow lane on major routes or drive on the shoulder with my flashers on. Called car dealership where I bought it new..they had no idea. Finally my x bf called another dealership and right away they said speed sensor. It was located somewhere in the transmission I believe. Only a $ 30 part. My son fixed it for me. Much luck to you.