What does it mean if your car won't accelerate when stepping on gas petal?

What is your question?

I have a 2003 Saturn Vue AWD, while trying to accelerate as i was getting on freeway car sounded like it wasn't changing gears. I tried to speed up and car wouldn't go, seems like it couldn't fo faster than 30-40 MPH. I also noticed it was beginning to run hot, went just past half mark on temp gauge. Has anyone had this problem?