The older ones did have their problems. Non weatherproof electrical connections, rattly fenders, and lots of little nagging problems. Keep in mind, they weren't building atvs nearly as long as the Japanese companies. They were far from perfect when they were new, either. They just had a 10 year head start on how to get it right.
I think Polaris is up there with anyone in terms of reliability in their new machines, but their repuatation needs time to catch up.

 

Polaris quality has come up time and time again. I still stick to my original opinions. There are two types of reliability - long term and short term. If you want a quad that will last you 10 to 15 years with no problems and just regular maintenance, then buy a honda. If you plan on buying a quad for just a year or two, and then sell it, then buy a polaris. How do you know how reliable the polaris will be in ten years? Their new generation models just haven't been out that long.

 

No argument here. The newer generation of Polaris seems to have about the same quality of manufacture and worksmanship as anything else. Only time will tell if they truly will hold up long term. That is what I meant when I said their reputation will take time to catch up with Honda. Even if these new ones are as good, or even better, no one will really know for another 4 or 5 years. My initial impression is that, at least in the case of the 2 machines I own right now is the quality is so close I would have trouble calling which one is built better. If, over the next few years, I have to put alot of work into one, I may change my mind