we have small, hard to use 3rd row seats in our XC 90 as well, and while I agree comfort isn't the best in these 3rd rows, in a pinch, they come in handy. We put our 7 year old back there on road trips or when there are too many adults in the 2nd row.. but to be honest, we didn't use it often, but again, in a pinch it was nice to have.

I also was sold on the reclining feature to be honest.

As for minivans.. NEVER!