Help me pick a car

Xath

We're moving back to the US this summer, and I'll need to buy a car.  My H's car will be our 2008 Ford Fusion.  A few things to consider:

(1) We'll have a 6yo, 3yo, and new baby. My 6yo is forward facing, but it'd be nice to keep my 3yo rear facing a bit longer.  They're both in Diono Radian RXTs, but I'm open to getting new seats.
(2) I'm not a "big car" person.  I'm currently driving a Honda Jazz (like a Fit), and I love it.  I had a Mazda5 before when we were in the US, and that's about as big as I'm comfortable with. I'd prefer to keep a small car, but I'm unsure about the practicalities of 3-across in car seats.  Any moms of 3+ do that successfully?  Or should I suck it up and get something with a 3rd row.  (We'll end up doing 3-across in my H's car either way).
(3) My H is 6'5.  He's hated every car I've ever owned, except for my 94 Honda Civic. I'd like something that he could also be comfortable driving, or at least being a passenger in.  This means it also needs to have enough clearance to have a tall person in front of a RF car seat.  

My H is offering that I could just buy a commuter car and the Fusion would be our primary people mover, but then we're back to 3-across in our primary vehicle.  Our seats would fit; it's more of the convenience issue.  I'm liking the looks of some of the wagon-ish cars (Ford C-Max, Toyota Prius V), but that's still 3-across.  The Mazda5 was discontinued.  Am I missing anything else on the market, or should I suck it up and go into minivan territory?
   

EmeraldNC

My husband and I just went through this. I have a small car, and really didn't want a high car payment since mine is paid off. We decided on a 3rd row. (Many people suggested a minivan, I just can't bring myself to drive/buy one!) We bought a Toyota Highlander and with just 2 kids, can't believe we didn't do this sooner! I love it!! So much room and not too big to drive!

awillis13

I'm going to share this here, because it has been such a great resource.  This website lists just about every car that can fit 3 across, and which carseat combos work for each car.  You could find a car that is a comfortable size for you and then look to see which seats work with that car.  If I remember correctly the Diono Radian's are usually pretty good to use because it is a narrower carseat.

https://www.thecarcrashdetective.com/3-across-car-seat-guide-html/

caribbeanmama-2

Your poor husband - 6'5" in that itty bitty Jazz!

I'm not sure I understand your 'no go's' from the post so I apologize if the suggestions miss the mark.  (You don't want 3 across in the primary vehicle?). We are also trying to decide on a new car this summer - I have a Toyota RAV4 and my husband is so squished - he is 'only' 6'2".  Also, being a compact SUV it can only fit 2 rear facing car seats total on the outer seats leaving no room for another human, and we need to be able to fit 2 rear facing seats and a tall human.

I think the problem here is balancing the car seats not touching front seats and your husband being able to sit in either the driver's seat or be a passenger with literally no room for adjustment.  (We have a Britax marathon and a Peg Perego 4-35 but bought a Diono R120 yesterday because of the smaller footprint.). Would you consider a station wagon?  Subaru or Volvo?   I personally can't do the minivan  - I've heard they are awesome but just no.  I think a larger SUV will help preserve some of my identity lol!  Would those be too big for you? You could do 3 across with more room for your husband or get one with 3 rows like the Chevy Traverse, Ford Expedition, Acura QX 60, Dodge Durango, Nissan Rogue, etc.  If none of those appeal to you then yes you are in minivan territory lol.  

The small commuter car option sounds inconvenient with 3 kids but depends on how your schedule is arranged.  Who would normally have all three kids and be responsible for school pick ups and doctor's appointments etc?  Would you use your car every day or do you live somewhere where you can grab a stroller and get going?

awillis13

To be honest, its less about the actual size of the car and more about the interior space.  When I had DS I had a Jeep Patriot and we were all cramped.  I traded it in for a Toyota Corolla and surprisingly we had more interior space and legroom with the rear facing car.  So don't feel like you HAVE to get a car that is bigger than you are comfortable with.

DewyK

I'm Team Minivan, so that's my vote We have a Honda Odyssey with 3 kids (4th on the way), and absolutely love it. I've had 5 car seats in my car from babysitting numerous times and they've all fit no problem. I can't say enough good things about my Odyssey. 

Xath

@caribbeanmama I'm not anti- 3-across per se, I'm mostly curious if folks here have done it successfully or if I absolutely have to have something with a 3rd row.  

My h is currently saying he could do primary drop-off and pick-up, but the truth is, we have no idea what anyone's schedules will be when we go back.  So I'd like a car that gives me options.

I'd probably go minivan before I'd go SUV.  NoVa parking spots are narrow, so sliding doors appeal to me.  I loved my Mazda5, but my H hated even being a passenger. I really wish Ford had brought the C-max over with their original concept (sliding doors; 7 seats) but they didn't. 

I did look more at autotrader last night for ideas, but I'm not seeing anything I love.  I love the MPV class of vehicles in Europe but there are now none of them in the US as far as I can tell.  

jessicayounghouse

I've survived with a Jetta and three kids across. I shouldn't say survived... I have enjoyed it. It's been hard at times, but totally doable. It's hard to do a rear-facing convertible carseat though.