Without reading all of the posts, I'll give my 2 cents. I love my 2004 GMC Canyon(same as that Colorado). Crew cab, 3.5 5 cylinder gets 22-23 mpg. Make sure it has the towing package, Z-71 suspension, 4x4 etc. It can comfortable seat 5. I bought mine with 40,000 miles and so far its not had one problem(knock on wood).

I looked at a Tacoma. Lower gas mileage and not rated to tow as much as the Canyone/Colorado. Dodge Dakotas suck as far as gas mileage.