Looking for a car that will hold three seats

[Unregistered]

I've looked through the three across thread, but I don't see anything that is quite what we want. We're going to have two snugrides and a convertible (currently a Titan, I think but we would consider alternatives). Any suggestions as to which vehicles and configurations will work? We are hoping to buy a car rather than a van or suv. Thanks.

[UlrikeDG]

I like Edmunds.com to compare (http://www.edmunds.com/apps/nvc/edmunds/VehicleComparison) the size of vehicle seats (up to 5 at a time). It's possible to fit 3 across in virtually any vehicle, if it's the right 3 seats. Also keep in mind that the shape of the seat, seatbelt location, etc will affect the fit, so don't just go by overall measurement. Narrow it down to your top choices based on safety, mileage, features, and then try them out!

IIHS top 5 sedans (Here are the [URL="http://www.iihs.org/ratings/summary.aspx?class=20") compared, for example (http://www.edmunds.com/apps/nvc/edmunds/VehicleComparison?styleid=100867859&styleid=100953772&styleid=100908728&styleid=100974511&styleid=100890176&maxvehicles=5&refid=&op=3&tab=specs). Note that the widest of them is less than 4" wider than the narrowest.

[Amaris]

I've had a regent, a marathon, and a safeseat1 in a 2000 chevrolet impala. I don't know if the newer ones are as big though. It took some work to get them in, and I had to move them around to see what fit next to each other. I would say look at a lot of cars and take seats with you. Also, when it's time to replace the snugrides go with something narrow, maybe radians.

[MomToEliEm]

Here is a long post where people showed their 3-across setup in a variety of cars. Maybe looking through there, you can get an idea of what cars will work best with your seat configuration.
http://www.car-seat.org/showthread.php?t=33226

[Defrost]

My coworker has a newer Impala and she let me check out the back seat, and yes, it's still pretty wide. With three complete sets of LATCH, too, although I'm not sure if they can all be used simultaneously since I didn't check the manual.

My mom has a Mercury Marquis ('05, I think) that can easily fit most carseats 3-across.

Also check out the Mazda5; not quite a car, but it's not really a van, either.