Hi,
I am new into the ATV world and I'm considering getting a Polaris Sportsman 500, but I'm having second thoughts. I have about 80 acres of land to roam and I'm looking for a workhorse for my land. I was at a Polaris dealer last week and was test driving the new 05 polaris sportsman 500, everything was great, but when it came down to when I needed to change drives, the drivestick seemed like it was sticking every time you went to High, Is this normal for Polaris ATV's?? I have also heard that Polaris is like the Ford of atv's (as if the first few years are fine but after 3 or fours years after you've had the vehicle, things start breaking on it). I've also heard that Honda is the atv that is built to last. Is this true. I was looking at the 05 rubicon 500 as alternative vehicle to the sportsman. Please help me know which atv is the real deal. I would greatly appreciate it if you guys would responds. Thanks for your time!

-Thanks

 

Just a question, but did you press the foot brake down when shifting to High? If not, you definitely will run into problems. I cannot speak to Honda very much as I only have driven a few of their ATVs. I think they make a great ATV and it is probably very reliable. Depending on how much of a work horse you are looking for might depend which you get. I truly think the Polaris is the better choice for a true work horse. If all you plan to do is light trail riding and roam around the ranch then any quad would do just fine.

 

Well, for the most part, expect people here to recommend the Polaris and the Honda Board people to recommend the Honda.

Either one is a good choice. One thing I noted that you said.

The Polaris is built like a tank. Heavier frame, heavier overall in weight. Alot of the local farmers in my area use Polaris quads for work and fun. There are 3 farmers within 2 miles of me with Polaris quads, one with over 6000 miles on his magnum.

Dont let people fool you, Polaris makes a good quad, but so does Honda for that matter. For me, the push for Polaris dealt with the IRS and the Honda dealer in my area didnt impress me. Also, when I bought it, Polaris offered better financing packages.

 

[quote]
Originally posted by: ostate021
Hi,
I have also heard that Polaris is like the Ford of atv's (as if the first few years are fine but after 3 or fours years after you've had the vehicle, things start breaking on it).



I have a Ford F-150 four wheel drive and have had it for eight years and the only things that have broke on it was a couple of windshield wipers. It is as reliable as the day is long.

 

Ford...

Fix
Or
Repair
Daily

Ford has gotten better in the past few years, but when i refer to ford, I am refering to their transmissions they put out in the early 90's that continue to fail to this day.

 

I have a '91 Ford full size Bronco. No tranny problems and no major maintence in 150000 miles. Runs great. Go ahead and get the Honda. It would make me feel better.

 

do u want a tractor? honda= tractor polaris= fun factor[img]i/expressions/face-icon-small-happy.gif[/img]

 

I agree, get the honda.

 

ostate021
your Polaris dealer should show you how to shift to High before your testdrive. as Polaridoo said, you have to press the brake pedal before shifting into high.

your analogy with Ford is pure non-sence.

ride both, compare them closely, then decide for yourself.

-MT

 

Brand biases are common but don't use early 90's Ford trannies make you hate Ford... hate them cuz that is your bias. If you try to justify your bias by using reliability the big 3 have all had their crap (and their good stuff).