my first truck was a ford ranger 2001 honestly as a brand i hate ford but that ranger was indestructible. i had a buddy with one that got stuck mudding and it flooded the whole engine was underwater for a week it finally got pulled out and we turned over the engine without spark plugs in it to make sure it didn't hydrolock and changed the oil and it started and drove like nothing happened. if you do get a ranger get a manual and 4x4 its a cheap reliable little truck oreillys uses them as fleet vehicles. but you also cant go wrong with a tacoma i just wouldn't buy a newer one they are having recalls on the frames from excessive corrosion. but it if is under warranty it's not a bad deal the engine is pretty bulletproof. an older one can be a great truck and also a great way to learn how to diy and save money. 

S10 with 4.3 V6

Ranger with 4 cylinder or 3.0...no 2.9.

Toyota is known for frame rot.

Depends on your budget but the Toyota T100s and Tacomas are indestructible! 

You may have a hard time finding a 90s Toyota pickup cheap that isn't rusted out or in good mechanical shape....in my area they seem to be going for a lot if you can even find one for sale. If you do find one in your price range in good shape, jump on it, especially if its a manual transmission.  Good luck!