engine stutter then surge

Since I've had my '04 every so often when I first start the car in the morning, or after sitting all day at work, when I start it - even after letting the car warm up - when I put the car in gear I'll get this stutter like the engine wants to stall, then the car lunges forward under it's own power...sometimes I can't hit the brake fast enough - almost backed into another car one time.

Any ideas out there? Thanks.

You have high mileage? Sounds like you need a new fuel filter..

What kind of fuel do you use, might be time to upgrade to 89 or 93 octane.. yeah, I know.. you have to take out a second mortgage.. but it definately sounds like a fuel flow problem.

just under 25000 and except for 2 weeks last summer the car has always had 93 octane - I'm on my 3rd mortgage!

I know many people are hesitant about making mods to their vehicles, but I say have fun with it.

I would try doing an open air cone air filter, rip the stock one out, and replace it. The nice thing is they are inexpensive (you could pay 200 bucks for K&N but why?) and they don't EVER need replacement, just cleaning every 50,000 miles.

I bought mine from Ebay, for 7 dollars. Its about 15 minutes of your time, and that could be the reason you are having trouble also.. Air is restricted, because of that paper filter (stock air filter).

Just FYI. You will get a little boost in power.. not much, and better throttle response in the process, and it most likely will fix the problem.

Check the plugs and wires just to be on the safe side.

Thanks for the recent replies. The car is due for it's 3 month checkup and I'm going to have them check the wires out and see about putting in the air filter.