My first car I purchased on my own was a Mazda pick up, extended cab... I had plenty of room and i'm about 6'0 tall. Maybe check that out. I'm not positive but I think it was a B-series 4000.
I'm definately a truck guy too... but if you are going to look at cars, Saturns have lots of room even though they are smaller. I personally never owned one but have rode and driven them before, you'd be supprised.
RE: We got freezing drizzle.....
It's so cold that instead of the finger, New Yorkers are giving each other the mitten.