KC CL 1785 you should know your car better. Why do you think automatics cars have D-3 and D-2? They are spceifically desigined for up/down hill traveling.
D-3 uses the first three gears in your vehicle. It provides engine braking going downhill, and power when going up hill
D-2 this gives you more climbing power when going up hill and and increased engine braking when going down hill.

When I had my civic ex i never had a problem going up steep hills.

-I hope you didn't sell your car because you had problems going up hill...