True! the car, once "booted up" doesn't care if the key stays inside the car (in your pocket) or not, though my '04 beeps at me if i walk away with the key without turning it off. if the start button is pressed, turning off the car, it, of course, can't be restarted without the key.

i also found that if you exit the powered-up car with the key in your pocket, the automatic door-unlocks don't work, either, meaning that if you need to open the hatch, you have to turn off the car, and that's annoying!

and i still love the car!