from a standing stop when i start it starts with a boost. very odd. any thoughts on this odd characteristic shifts fine once i get going. just from a stop it starts with a slight boost above a few miles an hour if i start very slow and carefully its ok

 

It might be a sticky accelerator cable. Mine does it, my sister-in-laws Taurus does it, my sons does it.

 

I would suggest cleaning the throttel body. The get a build up of soot in them and it effects the smooth opening of the throttle blade. I clean my 2002 every six months or so. When i first purchased mine (used) it did the same thing.

Mike