In the manual it says:
22. Push Button for Activating the Instrument Cluster, Intensity of Instrument Lights, for Resetting Trip Odometer and Flexible Service System (FSS) Indicator
Press the ****/button to illuminate the display. To vary the intensity of the instrument cluster lights, rotate the ****/button.

My 2007 panel lights do come on with the exterior lights and the **** does dim the panel and it also resets the odometer with a long press.
But the manual seems to indicate I can turn the panel lights on without the exterior lights by pushing the button which it doesn't do.
Is the manual wrong or can other people switch the panel lights on without the exterior lights?

My last car was designed to have panel lights always on and I've got used to it (although they were white).

 

That is a VERY interesting question. I have an 07 as well, I know the two 05s I had offered no such ability, but maybe that was one of the many changes made in 07 (and of course kept for 08).
(Yes, our cars WERE changed for 07/08, there were federal mandates in the USA that meant the interior had to be modded quite a bit - go look at the glove box in an 05, then in an 07. Look the lower dash over, it ain't the same.)

Let me go look at my car...........

 

Thanks - could be mine is different anyway being a UK RHD. Interestingly I notice that in making the RHDs they didn't bother changing the centre console which has the handbrake in the same place as the LHD. So we have an 'armrest' on the driver's side and the brake is on the passenger side of the console. Works ok though!