Why does Dodge go cheap with their steel?

Well since you're looking to make a big discision I'll offer up my experience as advice. I've owned a LOT of trucks (50+), both personal and for my business. There's things that are model/year specific, but some things just hold true over the spectrum. Here in the tristate area (NY, NJ, PA) we've got a pretty even mix of brands.

Dodge. The main reason there's so many is because they're cheap. Although equally equipped trucks are within a few bucks on the sticker, Dodge will slash prices drastically. Ford, Chevy/GMC won't budge much at all. The last Dodge I bought had a sticker of $52k. Before I left the lot the salesman was in the low $40's. The next day he called me at $39k. At the end of the month he called again. I bought it for $34k.
Dodge trucks are very capable trucks. They tow well, haul well, plow well, ect., but they are very poorly made. The rust issue can't even be debated, the front ends are junk, trannys are weak, and the small items drive me insane. Switches, sensors, heater controls, ect. And they generally get horrible gas mileage. They'll get to 250k, but it's a long anoying road.

Ford. They aren't gonna talk much about the price. F150's are cute cars with beds, so I'm not gonna waste time on them. 250/350's are very capable trucks. When a Ford breaks down it generally involves a flatbed, a loaner car, and a home equity loan. It's never anything simple. They're an electrical nightmare. They have the nicest paint hands down.

Chevy/GMC. They aren't gonna negotiate price much either. I'm trying real hard to think of any negatives. They have a crappy color selection, and the paint quality isn't as good as Dodge/Ford. If you want a truck that is gonna last and be trouble free, buy a GM. My GM trucks have racked up millions of miles, yes millions. The most extensive repair ever has been a water pump. My record so far has been 642k and I gave the truck to a kid as his first truck. My current daily driver is a 2011 GMC Sierra. Bought it new. It's got just over 200k on it now and I've replaced spark plugs, ball joints, and brakes. That's it! Factory battery, belts, hoses, ect. It could use shocks though truthfully. Not a spec of body rust on any of my trucks. Surface rust on frame, yes.