I agree with Lakedude. My 03 with 45K miles still comes out of auto-stop without any kind of vibration. My test drive in an HAH some time ago was also the same - the V6 went into and out of autostop flawlessly. Seems unusual that a "next generation" car would take a step backward in that department.

*** Retired after 65,000 outstanding miles ***

I described it as a very slight vibration, but it is really barely noticeable, just a slight wur as the engine starts up.

I had to learn to anticipate the moment or 2 necessary to let the car start before I go.
For example, in a line of traffic @ red light, foot on the brake, auto stop engaged. Light goes green, remove foot from brake to start the car...then I can go...

Exactly. And I did drive a 2005 HCH and I noticed no such problem with it.

Hmmm....
If one were to need to move in a hurry the auto stop does prevent you from doing so.
I think I will experiment with it this weekend and see whats what.

I'll be able to tell you for sure in January - when I compare the 03 we have now to the 06 that's being birthed

Of course, it occurs to me that there is a way around the problem. When you know you're going to move forward soon, just take your foot off the brake and then put it back on. When auto-stop disengages, it will not re-engage if you fail to speed up to at least 8 mph before braking again. This appears to me to be acknowledgement of the delay in disengaging it, so it doesn't keep turning on and off when you crawl forward between 0-5 mph.

I always do this to get the CVT engaged - that's the only lag I experience. The engine always fires up quick and smooth, but there is a bit of a delay for the CVT to sync back up. It's like .5 seconds, but if I rush it the car lurches. Never considered it a problem. Just the way the car is.

*** Retired after 65,000 outstanding miles ***

After reading these posts, I paid more attention to this on my commute this morining. If I listen for it, it does indeed take about a second before it stabilizes, but I also noticed that if I just go ahead and press the gas without delay, the car takes off immediately. When I'm not paying attention (radio going, having a conversation with my wife) I don't even notice it. So, while there's definitely a shudder and delay before it stabilizes, there's no perceptible delay 'off the line' (at least to me). I'll keep monitoring...

I'm definitely not seeing the lurch, but maybe I'm just not as quick on the draw. I'll try it...