If I were in the market for a new half ton gas truck I would look heavily at a new F-150, most likely. The new Rams ride really nice, but are lacking if you actually want to haul something (I've put 30,000 miles on my 2011 Ram 1500 company truck in the last year, for reference). I'd probably get a Ford F-150 Raptor or a King Ranch F-150 if I had to choose.
Tacomas and other midsize trucks are just too small for me for daily usage, though great hunting rigs. I personally prefer 3/4 or 1 ton trucks for most situations, when hauling groceries isn't on the menu. I'd love a late 90's to very early 2000 s Tacoma to use as a hunting rig and play toy.
