the biggest problem with the cressida is just that it isn't an economy car. the engine is designed for smoothness and torque. and yes, gearing too: factory 5 speed 2200rpm @ 60 with a torque-monster engine
If you go for a truck, I'd go for an early 90s toyota or nissan truck. I don't know much about the nissans but the toyotas (like mine) are near indestructable and get respectable mpgs. I'm getting 24 mixed driving in winter with multiple exhaust leaks and a possibly dead O2 sensor. 18 pulling a 6x12 enclosed trailer ~5500lbs with cargo 60 mph (by a 115 hp engine! yes over capacity)
If you want to go with an S10, I'd suggest a 1st gen with a 2.5 4 cyl. gobs of low end... like a semi: 4500 redline but it'll pull stumps. mine was nearly stock and I drove around in 4th at 1k rpm. amazing FE for the dinosaur design too. I managed 26-28 on the highway doing 70+ @ 3600 rpm from the 4 speed (no OD) 24 with 1500 lbs in the truck doing 70 (1.5x capacity). 2nd gen S10s are just garbage, 4 cyl engine has as much trouble, front end (ball joints, tie rods, etc) needs to be replaced even more often than 1st gens, interior is just crap, and there really isn't any upside unless you get one OBD2