vehicle for three car seats

That's what I was going to suggest as well.  The Diono Radian RXT advertises that you can fit three across in cars.  I think it's the one we are going with when our daughter is out of the infant seat.  It is a bit more expensive than lots of the car seats, but still way cheaper than getting a new car.

The 2012 Subaru Outback is designed for 3 full sized child seats in the back.  Each with their own individual anchor points.

Good to know!  That's what I'm looking at to replace my Golf.

hrliles - 2012-06-19 10:17 AM 3?   Stay out of the backseat!!

^^^This!  haha...

To the OP, my wife and I went through this same search last summer.  We were expecting #3 and #1 had just turned 3.  After checking the options and how stacked in a sedan would be, we opted for the minivan route.  Swore I would never own one, but now that we have it I wouldn't be without!  It's not just getting all the kids crammed in...there's enough room that the older boys can squeeze through to their own seats, lots of below-seat storage for all the *stuff* that goes along with the 3 kids, and still room in back for the stroller and coolers (and maybe even a bike squeezed in...depending on seat configuration for the day!)

I feel your pain with the milage, but now that we've had it for a year I can't imagine trying to deal with these 3 on the go daily with a sedan-size vehicle...

I agree. Swore I'd never own a minivan but with 23 month old twins and a baby, we had no choice.  I must admit it does look funny with my Madone on the roof rack and my kids' three bikes on the back. So much easier than a sedan with all of the gear kids somehow need. Easy for one parent to sit back there if necessary or to sneak back there if junior drops his babba...  We're on our third minivan, and would like to point out that all five of us walked away when a BMW SUV drove straight into our Chrysler Town and Country head-on, literally.

I can't help with the gas issue though. They do suck on gas,  no way around it that I can think of.  Not sure if they make hybrid minivans. How about a 3 row SUV?

If your budget is a new Honda Accord that's great but as someone posted above a new Outback is in the same price range and very cool, IMHO.