I guess, from what I read, Chicco and Graco are the best ones out there.
I'm not on board with graco being the best, but they are ok and a heck of a value. Padding, base and carrier durability, and side impact tech aren't the greatest. However they are a good value and you'll probably only use the first one for a year / 18 months. This one has an anti-rebound bar too, which stops the rear facing seat from lifting up off of the seat, which does happen with most.
http://www.britaxusa.com/store/special-deals/chaperone-package
I had a graco typical value seat when my kids were babies though, but instead of the wife buying them, I've done research and found britax. My Frontier is a tank and loaded with safety features, the main one being able to be used with a 5 point harness up to 80 pounds. It sounds a bit much, but my daughter is 4 and I really am not in a hurry to give her freedom in the car, so 5 point it is...and they recommend 5 point as long as possible too.
I would recommend starting with a convertable (front / rear) lift out seat that goes with a stroller, preferably one that can hold a 30 pounder facing forward. Then graduate right to a Britax Frontier, and that will be their last carseat. The base is BIG though, and the wife is required to scoot forward about halfway again. If you follow the height and weight restrictions though, there is a good chance you're kids will be over the 40 pound weight limit before you're ready to move them into a booster.
Just get a baby one that has some longevity, and at 25/30 pounds, start doing your research and figure out how to only buy one seat that will last. The frontiers are expensive ($225 when I got mine) but my daughters will last her until she's 6 probably, at which point she'll be taller than my wife and ready for NO seat.
I am however going to add some more foam to it, she complains that her back / legs hurt after about 2 hours, but only about once every 30 minutes...I guess I could let her get out of the car for a few minutes.