Hmmm, diesel (no thanks). The only thing that's really cool about diesel trucks is that they have the same MPG whether the truck is fully loaded or empty. If you plan on hauling heavy loads on a regular basis; then yes, go diesel. That's why most General Contractors/Home Builders have heavy-duty diesel pick-ups because they are always hauling heavy stuff to/from the build site. If your new truck is just for a weekend-warrior with very little hauling/towing involved, then I'd re-think my priorities.

Other than that, diesel trucks are frickin' noisey (clackitty-clackitty-clackitty) and smell terrible like rotten eggs. Plus, have you noticed at the gas pumps that Diesel Fuel costs more than Premium-Unleaded??? Sorry, but no thanks.

As far as Brands-- all of the Big-Three are pretty good. Personally; I'd go for the "Cummins" version just for sheer re-sale marketability, as they're quite popular among prospective buyers. Incidentally, didn't Isuzu make a diesel powered mini pick-up back in the '70s/'80s called the D-50 ??? It looked really simular to the Chevy LUV 4x4 mini pick-up of the same era. Hmmm, time to ponder.