RE: 2nd row capts chairs or bench in suv/minivan?
We have an 05 Ody so we have the "plus one" seat in between the 2 regular seats. I actually use it all of the time. DS hates, hates, hates the car, and so I sometimes nurse him in the car, (yes, while both of us are buckled in...don't worry ;) ) which is a pain but far better than hearing him crying in the carseat.
When we drive back and forth to PA from NC, it is a long trip and I nurse him to sleep that way in his carseat. So I actually use the "plus one" seat quite a bit. I'm only 5'2" and pretty small though so I guess that's why I don't mind the "plus one." I know a lot of people say they don't use theirs, but ours has been a lifesaver.
Mama to DS-2004
DD-2006
and a new addition-ds born march 2010