A controller for an adaptive cruise control system having a speed based mode includes an input for receiving a signal indicative of a detected target object, an input for receiving the speed of the host vehicle and control logic. The control logic is capable of transmitting messages to maintain the vehicle at a preset time gap from the target object upon receiving the signal indicative of a target object and transmitting messages to set the vehicle at a predetermined following distance from the target object in response to the speed of the host vehicle being less than or equal to a minimum speed.