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                                                                     EXHIBIT 5.1




                   [LETTERHEAD OF GIBSON, DUNN & CRUTCHER LLP]

                                  June 21, 2002

D.R. Horton, Inc.
1901 Ascension Blvd., Suite 100
Arlington, Texas  76006

                  Re:      D.R. Horton, Inc. Deferred Compensation Plan

Ladies and Gentlemen:

         As counsel for D.R. Horton, Inc., a Delaware corporation (the
"Company"), we are familiar with the Company's Registration Statement on Form
S-8 (the "Registration Statement"), filed with the Securities and Exchange
Commission (the "SEC") under the Securities Act of 1933 (as amended, the "Act")
on the date hereof, with respect to the proposed issuance of up to $30,000,000
in unsecured obligations of the Company to pay deferred compensation in the
future (the "Obligations") in accordance with the terms of the D.R. Horton
Deferred Compensation Plan (the "Plan"). All capitalized terms which are not
defined herein shall have the meanings assigned to them in the Registration
Statement.

         For the purpose of rendering this opinion, we have made such factual
and legal examination as we deemed necessary under the circumstances, and in
that connection we have examined, among other things, originals or copies of the
following:

                  (1) The Amended and Restated Certificate of Incorporation of
         the Company, filed as an exhibit to the Company's Registration
         Statement (No. 333-76175) on Form S-3, filed April 13, 1999;

                  (2) The Amended and Restated Bylaws of the Company, filed as
         an exhibit to the Company's Quarterly Report on Form 10-Q for the
         quarter ended December 31, 1998;

                  (3) The Plan, filed as an exhibit to the Registration
         Statement; and

                  (4) Such records of the corporate proceedings of the Company,
         such certificates and assurances from public officials, officers and
         representatives of the Company, and such other documents as we have
         considered necessary or appropriate for the purpose of rendering this
         opinion.

         In rendering the opinion expressed below, we have assumed:

                  (a) The genuineness of all signatures on, and the authenticity
         of, all documents submitted to us as originals and the conformity to
         original documents of all documents submitted to us as copies. With
         respect to agreements and instruments executed by natural persons, we
         have assumed the legal competency of such persons.



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                  (b) There are no agreements or understandings between or among
         the Company and any participants in the Plan that would expand, modify
         or otherwise affect the terms of the Plan or the respective rights or
         obligations of the participants thereunder.

         On the basis of the foregoing examination, and in reliance thereon, and
the qualifications and limitations set forth below, we are of the opinion that,
when issued in accordance with the provisions of the Plan, the Obligations will
be duly authorized and valid and binding obligations of the Company, enforceable
in accordance with their terms.

         The opinions set forth herein are subject to the following assumptions,
qualifications, limitations and exceptions:

                  A. We render no opinion herein as to matters involving the
         laws of any jurisdiction other than the States of Texas and Delaware
         and the United States of America. Our opinions set forth herein are
         limited to the effect of the present state of applicable laws of the
         State of Texas and the United States of America, the present corporate
         laws of the State of Delaware and to the present judicial
         interpretations thereof and to the facts as they presently exist.
         Although we are not admitted to practice in the State of Delaware, we
         are familiar with the Delaware General Corporation Law and have made
         such investigation thereof as we deemed necessary for the purpose of
         rendering the opinion contained herein. We assume no obligation to
         revise or supplement our opinions should the present laws, or the
         interpretation thereof, be changed or to revise or supplement these
         opinions in respect of any circumstances or events that occur
         subsequent to the date hereof.

                  B. Our opinions set forth herein are subject to (i) the effect
         of any bankruptcy, insolvency, reorganization, moratorium, arrangement
         or similar laws affecting the enforcement of creditors' rights
         generally (including, without limitation, the effect of statutory or
         other laws regarding fraudulent transfers or preferential transfers)
         and (ii) general principles of equity, regardless of whether a matter
         is considered in a proceeding in equity or at law, including, without
         limitation, concepts of materiality, reasonableness, good faith and
         fair dealing and the possible unavailability of specific performance,
         injunctive relief or other equitable remedies.

                  C. We express no opinion regarding the effectiveness of any
         waiver (whether or not stated as such) contained in the Plan of rights
         of any party, or duties owing to it, that is broadly or vaguely stated
         or does not describe the right or duty purportedly waived with
         reasonable specificity or any provision in the Plan relating to
         indemnification, exculpation or contribution.


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         This opinion may be filed as an exhibit to the Registration Statement.
Consent is also given to the reference to this firm under the caption "Legal
Matters" in the prospectus contained in or incorporated by reference to the
Registration Statement. In giving this consent, we do not admit we are included
in the category of persons whose consent is required under Section 7 of the Act
or the rules and regulations of the Commission promulgated thereunder.

                                             Very truly yours,



                                             /s/ Gibson, Dunn & Crutcher LLP
                                             GIBSON, DUNN & CRUTCHER LLP


DIS/RWB/TS



