I have looked closely at Dallas Willard for around 4 years now choosing almost exclusively to read books about him (by Gary Black and Gary Moon) and books written by him during this timeframe. I have also listened closely to his interviews and talks on youtube.
I have come to the conclusion that Willard is a Luther or Wesley-like figure in that he is an individual uniquely empowered by God to bring reform. Others who know his work better have talked in similar ways.
When one gets more and more exposure to Dallas, they see saintlike character. He is so gentle, that people often miss how much he is providing a worldview overhaul to contemporary evangelicals - whether conservative or liberal. His book, The Divine Conspiracy, for example is gently suggesting that churches often have an incomplete gospel message. He is a figure that one cannot read as a side project because his writings are addressing such central concerns of the Christian faith.
I highly recommend Dallas Willard’s writings, essays, and talks accessible through dwillard.org and youtube.