I alternate communtes between my 964 and a 2001 Tacoma. I only commute in the 964 in the local area, no trips to DC.
The Tacoma is fairly peppy (four cylinder five speed with four wheel drive), very comfortable and tracks well. Gas mileage is around 22mpg.
The absolute best thing about commuting in the Tacoma is the fact that the streets in the DC area are in very rough shape...the Tacoma handles an incredible amount of punishment without apparent issue.
I don't know if that factors into your decision matrix...certainly winter weather doesn't, which is another plus for the truck.
