Hey folks, i'm new to this forum, I am looking at the polaris sportsman 400 and need some feedback both positive and negative. I just plan to use it around the house hunting and some trail riding. Not into the huge 4-wheelers just want something in the middle class range. I once had a rancher 350 and liked it ok. Please don't hold back I need expert advise. If there is another brand in the same price range that is better let me know. Thanks!!!

 

from what i have seen and heard, this is a great atv. also, if you dont mind having to shift, the honda ranchers are about the same. it just really depends on whether you want an automatic or if you dont care either way. also, yamaha also makes good atv's but the handle bars are a little awkwardly placed if your used to honda and polaris.

 

Just bought my wife one in March and she loves it. Been down to Hatfield McCoy riding twice this summer and it performed great. I may be a little spoiled since I've got a Honda Rubicon but the only complaint I have is the lack of engine braking. You can't beat it for the price. The 400 is actually a 455cc motor also.

 

The 400 (455cc) Sportsman is the same full size ATV as the 800 Sportsman just with a different motor.

Its physically larger and weights more then a 700 Yamaha Grizzly and the same as a 750 Suzuki King Quad. 2011 Polaris Sportsman® 400 H.O. ATVs

2011 Polaris Sportsman® 400 H.O. ATVs

Its middle class in motor displacement but thats all, the rest is full size 4x4 Utility all the way.

 

Thanks for the replies, I should of clarified myself. I do not need an expensive atv like an 850. I was very impressed with the size of the 400 sportsman. It made my rancher look tiny. I am more concerned about the performance of these machines. I know the 500 sportsman is a proven engine, I do not know much about the 400 sportsman. It looks identical to the 500 HO. I would hate to buy the 400HO and later wish I just bought the 500HO.
One thing in particular I was concerned about was the on demand all wheel drive, is it very reliable? I kind of like the feeling of having that control in my hands.
Keep the info coming!!!

 

Gofsh if I had the money I would get another Sportsman in a heartbeat. I had a 500ho. I rue the day i sold that thing. The 400 is basically a 500 in everyway except a tick smaller engine. On demand 4x4 never gave me a problem. I spent years stuck on the "HONDAS MOUNTAIN" but not amymore. I still love my Hondas but I would also get another sportman in a heartbeat if I had the funds!

 

I have a Sportsman 500 HO and my buddy has a Sportsman 400 HO, both with AWD. I rode his 400 HO and the only difference is the 500 has a touch more power. If I had the few extra $ I would get the 500 but I don't think you would be disappointed with a 400 either. Hope this helps!

 

I had a 2012 Sportsman 400 for 6 months. Good quad, hard to beat for the money. A lot more machine then a rancher for sure (I ride with 3 ranchers). The Polaris AWD system is the best imo. The only difference between the 400 and 500 is about 2-3 HP, a few more mph on top end, and the 500 comes with one inch wider rear tires. Resale, FOR ME, was not as good on the 400 compared to 500's around here fwiw. If you are looking for a basic utility quad for casual riding (ie not blasting around trails real aggressively), the Sportsman 400 is damn hard to beat for the money.