We bought a Honda Pilot in 2006,and it's been completely reliable. Quite happy with it.

However, we managed to bring a third kid into the world, and attempted to put the oldest into the third row. She simply did not like it. She would prefer to be accosted by her brother in the second row. It's a pain to get in and out (when either side of the second row has a car seat), and she felt like she was part of the cargo.

We made it work with all three in the second row, but we wish the second row were captains chairs.

And now we are considering baby number 4. If and when that happens, the Pilot will be sold. Captains chairs will be a must. My wife used to feel the same as your wife about mini vans, but she's slowly changing her mind.

If a third row is a must, get a vehicle where that doesn't completely remove your cargo space.