1995 Saturn SC2 My car doesn't "like" 1st gear.

I have a problem with my Saturn as follows.
When I am driving, I typically upon comming up upon a red light will shift into neutral to save gas along with saving my clutch, however I have such a hard time getting the shifter into the 1st gear position. I at times have to be somewhat forcefull with it. I will however point out the following.
If I am moving and coming up to a red light or need to downshift for one reason or another to 1st gear from another gear then it is no problem and shifts just like a hot knife through butter.
Also I did replace the plastic bushing that connects the shifter to the cables approx 10k miles (18 months approx) ago.
Same issue with the 1st gar happens after backing out of my driveway. It just doesnt like going into 1st. This problem is not affected by outside tempor any other identifiable factors.
Any help is greatly appreciated. - Thanks