A method of controlling the operation of a door of a vehicle relative to a door frame of the vehicle is provided. The position of the door is sensed and a door open command or a door close command is received. Opening or closing of the door at preselected speeds is initiated based on the command received. The length of time that the open command or close command is continuously received is then determined. The door is moved at a relatively slow speed for a predetermined initial time period and after the predetermined initial time period has ended the door is moved at a relatively faster speed.