The 4.7 was a good engine that was too picky about maintenance. Since the general public never reads their owner's manual, most 4.7's were junk just too early. I personally would never own one used, as I'd have no idea about it's care. I'd own one from new, though.

The Dakota in all trim levels is well mated to the 3.9, although it's no rocket (was never intended to be). Look at all of the SUV's of the same era, they all have roughly 4 liter V6's of similar power and economy.

It's tough to compare performance from 15 years ago to today, it's a different world now.