Well I'm not one to get into brand loyalty, but I've always heard that Cummins is head and shoulders above anyone else for truck diesels. I'd say a mid-90's Ram myself.

So, that's the engine technology itself, then. Longevity and economy are obviously important, but I doubt the truck will be pushed to its limits, so other factors are important, too (interior quality/comfort, general build quality of the truck, availability of aftermarket/replacement parts).

So, I'm in a position to recommend a vehicle for the following purposes:
- Towing a 20' box trailer with a corvette inside (probably 8-10k lbs)
- hauling materials around for home improvement projects
- reasonably priced (10-15k is acceptable)
- seasonal transportation for a college-age Male to/from and occasionally around college (by him)
- decent fuel economy
- crew-cab for carrying >2 people up front
- fairly modern safety features (dual front airbags, etc)

I'm thinking of a late-90s half-ton diesel pickup from one of the big three. Any thoughts or experiences with particualr models that would steer be towards (or away from ) a particular model? (please no "cummins pees on duramax" kinda stuff unless there's factual evidence

Thanks.
Dan