I normally just lurk in this thread, but I have to extoll the virtues of the minivan!
My hubby and I didn't even consider minivans when we went shopping for a new car when DD2 was on the way (I was borrowing a car from my cousin at the time). We went with a small SUV, and I really liked it. Then boom - expecting number 3. We discovered you cannot put 3 carseats in the back of our small SUV.
So it was time to shop again. After looking at minivans and big SUVs, we realized minivan was more vehicle for the money. But we were still hesitant. Then the test drives. HOLY COW!!!! I *love* my minivan! In fact, I wish we had gone straight to the minivan! My oldest can climb in and out by herself with no help getting into her carseat. My toddler can even climb in and out by herself, although she still needs help with clicking her straps. I can put the seats up and down with one hand while holding the toddler (we did all kinds of crazy tests while shopping to see how easy it would be for me to handle the van & the kids). Clicking a button to open/close the doors and the back is great. The DVD entertainment system has been a HUGE win with the girls... Seriously, I cannot say often enough how much happier I am with my minivan than my little SUV, and I really did like that little SUV.
It also has a smoother drive and easier handling than the larger SUVs we had tried. And since I'm already thinking a bit about a potential #4 in a couple of years, it gives us space to grow
If I could go back in time, I'd get a minivan when we were expecting DD1 - if for no other reason than getting the baby carrier in/out would be SOOOO much easier, and no more putting the infant seat on the ground. Plus getting the stroller in/out of the back is SOOO much easier than having it in the trunk.
Ok, sorry for the long post - just feeling very wordy today!