Is it safe to shift from d to d3 while cruising at high speed?

Driving with gear selector in "4" (automatic)?

• For Toyota/Lexus vehicles that say "PRND/432/L" (zig-zag) on their center-console, gear-shifter thingy...I drove a 2002-03 ES 300 with "4" selected (instead of "D"). I was told doing so would just override the transmission from entering overdrive (top/final gears), kind of like selecting "D3" on some Hondas/Acuras (not shift past 3rd into 4th or 5th gears). But, accelerating in 4 (Toyota) from a stop feels different than accelerating from a stop in D3 (Honda). I did not try driving in "3" (Toyota), which I assume would be more like Honda's D3. I also did not pay attention to how different it might have felt to drive in 4 when cruising (more torquey?). I am not sure about any differences in the throttle response either. All I noticed was when I accelerated in 4 (with normal throttle pressure), the tachometer shifted like a DIESEL (reminded me of the newer VW TDI or BMW diesels), with premature, rapid shifts (almost skimming) through at least the first 3 gears, all at much lower RPM revs (nowhere near reaching redline). This happens when also accelerating lightly (just less severe), or flooring it (much more severe). The shifts feel more abrupt, but are still technically smooth enough (just not as smooth as in D). Shift back into D, and the acceleration is much more smooth, but perhaps slower as well? At least the needle reaches higher RPM revs (still nowhere near redline, however...obviously electronically limited by Toyota, unlike Honda), and holds onto the active gears longer (normal) before transferring over to the next (no skimming). Would I have experienced anything otherwise driving in 4 (as opposed to D) during stop-and-go rush-hour traffic (congested highways, bottlenecks), winding mountain roads, or long and steep hilly roads?

• Answer:

  It is difficult to understand what you are asking, flipping around comparing 4 to 3 in a honda, or bmw or any other car does not help. Once again, read the owners manual. If you do not need 4 then put it in drive and stop worrying about it. No one I know compares 4 gear in a toyota to 3 gear in a honda? why? there is no need to. Low torque applications may be usefull on slippery roads, but not 4. People buy an automatic because its easy, put it in drive and go, no muss no fuss. if one manufacturer has a 6 speed instead of a 5 speed, so what? the only difference is the 6 speed is more expensive to fix, and maybe a little faster when your foot is to the floor. Unless you are racing in the mountians or something, or flat out on the autobahn there is no reason to worry about 1234 have a good day dont worry about it.