I drive a chevy, but sounds like the toyota tacoma would fit your bill...I also really like the new tundras, but you're not going to find a used one yet (and you won't get a new one in 4x4, supercab - you need room for 4, for under 30k).

I'm not a fan of going less than full size myself, but since you specified midsize, I'd recommend the Toyota Tacoma (built in Indiana by the way, but yest, the parent company is Japanese).

And by the way, I subscribe to Consumer Reports and Motor Trend - I read the opinions on foreign vs. domestic as well, but also noticed the rankings - Accord and Camry are the best cars, Tundra was the best truck, Highlander and CR-V best small SUVs, etc......