My 1995 EB Explorer had auto temp control. Honestly, I did not like it. The auto features seemed to be way too agressive. So most of the time I used it as a manual control.

The '09 Limited I just bought and am picking up Monday has the auto controls. I am hoping they have improved the function of them since then.

btw, gpfarrell, I hope your dream car works out for you soon. I looked at several XLTs. They are nice, but, you are right. Missing many of the toys I and my wife wanted.