GM started with the GT400 (88-98). That was a massive leap forward in comfort over the older square body and at the time anyhing from dodge or ford. You finally had a fullsize truck that would knock down low 20's on the highway, you could see out of and was large enough and comfortable enough to live with daily. In 99 the jump to the GMT800 platform made them the most car-like to date even with the rear leaf springs and the drivetrains were even better.I think the Kenworth inspired Ram really put pickups in to pop culture, then the huge increase in ride quality from coils. Forced the other makers to compete. Interiors got nicer. SUVs moved up scale, the trucks the were based on profited as well.
The dodge had looks but they still drove like a truck. Once they made them ride and drive decent with the next gen ram it was a contender (except quality holy hell were they trash)