Chevrolet: More recent Chevy, chevy cavalier, new years eve

Question
I have a 96' Chevy Cavalier and it currently is not going anywhere. I know that is younger than 1975 but assuming little has changed with the mechanics maybe you could help me hope for the best. On the way to work last night I had trouble excellerating. It took a lot of pressure on the gas to get it up to even 20MPH. It was just slipping and not reacting as much as it should to the pressure applied. I'm told transmission replacement can cost an arm and a leg, so I'm hoping it just needs more fluid and no parts need to be replaced. When changing gears it makes a moaning vibration noice but that ends when it is fully into drive, but last night after it was put into drive that noice simply never ended. Can I hope for the best in this situation do you think, because I really hate having car troubles in the winter. Especially considering I totaled my last car, and this is new years eve and all so I'd like things to start on a more positive note. Any help or suggestions you could give me would be greatly appreciated. Thanks for your time.

Answer
HI James;
        Well is sounds as you have some tranny trouble, did you look at the fluid to see if it was low, if  no fluid get some in it fast and try it, but if you have fluid in it and if the color on the stick is a cleen red than thats not to bad but if it is brown or black than something is burnt, I would go to a tranny place that has the 29.00 fluid change and filter / screen replacement  that just might help you and if not they will tell you what it is. Its a lot better than a tow and a rip off job some place.