I know there will be a bunch of opinions on this question but here goes.

Which 2005 Honda quad should give the best all around performance and reliabilty-- the Foreman, the Foreman ES or the Rubicon.

I have narrowed down my choices for a new quad to the above or a Rincon. (Yes, I know that the Rincon has poor engine braking, but damn does it look good, especially in black. [img]i/expressions/face-icon-small-happy.gif[/img]) Shifting is not a major concern. I'm very use to shifting a motorcycle. I have a Dodge Hemi and really like the automatic transmission for everyday highway use and find when I drive my wife's Tacoma 5-speed shifting is a pain in the butt. Now on my Harleys, I love running up and down through the gears.

Most of my riding will be trail riding and some off trail hunting -- no muddin' or technical stuff.

I've had no trouble deciding on a Rancher AT for my wife. That was a piece of cake. She needs something that she just has to climb on and go.

Thanks for you suggestions.

Tom[img]i/expressions/face-icon-small-cool.gif[/img]

 

All the ATV's you mentioned are tried and true machines and have all proven themselves to be reliable. A few new features on some of them. If you like the looks of the Rincon, you'll be happy because all of the '05 models have been re-styled to look just like it. Unfortunately, the black color is only available on the Rincon. The new blue color on the new 2WD 500 isn't available on other models either...at least not yet. For me, the choice is simple...I'll take the new Rubicon out of all of them. You just cannot beat that transmission. It's awesome. Excellent engine braking, plenty of power, and great trail manners. Remember, you can shift the Rubi manually too, if you'd like. The '05 Rubi will have Trax-Loc, as well as front disc brakes. Gonna be a real nice machine.

 

i would go for the rubicon.
sweet ride.
i love my 04and thats what my next quad is going to be also.
any honda is good but i think the rube is the best all round of the bunch.