on the automatic xb, it makes a clunk sound when put into reverse from park and only when car starts moving (it lasts about 1 second). it doesn't make this sound when going to reverse from other gears. you can only hear it when the window is down (from outside). is this normal???

thats pretty normal. on all the cars ive driven, auto and manual, it makes the same sound. its just the gear changing. nuthing wrong i believe. and since its from park, its probably also dis-engaging the parking break.

yeah alot of toyotas do it. My moms matrix will do it periodically, especially in hot climates. when the tranny is hot.