What could be the possible causes for a hesitant take off on a dodge neon?

[Zim I]

When i reach a stop and i press the gas to take off and go my 96 dodge neon takes a while to engage and take off. I would like to kno if you guys could give me pointers as to what i should check first before going balls in to change the transmission or is it the transmission point blank period??? i want to know if it could be any sensor that is sending a bad current or signal that delays the changing in gear i dont want to have to pay double which is why i just wanted to get pointers of what to check before buying or changin the transmission. If any one could give me any help i would greatly appreciate it