We had a Ford Freestyle (now the Taurus X)-ours had a bench seat in the second row, but I think bucket seats are more common. Loved this car...but the gas mileage was blah. We had the AWD version and it was great driving in during the snowy Wisconsin winter.
Now have a Mazda 5, the third row feels more cramped to me..but is fine for little kids or for short adults for short distances. This is not a mini-van, but is a bit less manly looking IMHO. It's pricetag as well as the gas mileage are way better than the Freestyle ever was. Hubby is taller and chubbier than I am, and he thinks the Mazda would not be comfy for him to drive long distances. It seems to fit me better (I am only 5'2").
I liked both cars, but I still think mini-vans offer a very family friendly set up...easy to get to the third row, more cargo room, etc.
Our next car? Likely a new Taurus, roomy backseat and lots of trunk space. (This may work with three car seats across the back too). we only have two kids, but also have a 140 lb dog to lug around.
I was adament about getting a Honda Pilot but then we went to test drive the Toyota Sienna at his request and it was clear that there was no comparison in terms of room and ease of use with all the car seats. It's been a great vehicle and drives like a car. Good luck, but with all those child seats you really oughta give it a try. It's only temporary! 
I refused to drive a mini-van, but with the Traverse, we still got all the room we wanted, without it being a mini-van.
My Freestyle has a third row. I have 7 seatbelts and WAAAYYY more room than I had in my Expedition.
