I would like to hear all the pros and cons of the Rubicon. I'm looking at purchasing a new ATV and would like to hear what's good and what's bad.

 

The pros; the transmission. It is the only fully automatic-5-speed manuals trans in the industry.

Cons; 3.6-gallon gas tank. Should have been at least a five-gallon.

3300 miles, zero problems.

 

My best friend and riding buddy has a '03 Rubicon. If you want the untimate in power control the tranny in the Rubi has got it. The "gearing" (if you can call it that) opitions are unbeleivable. The biggest down fall I've seen with his is like already mentioned the small gas tank. But thats nothing a small gas can can't take care of on longer rides. It's not as fast as some of the other machine on the market either but neither of us are real speed freaks so thats not a big issue either.

 

I have about 55 miles on mine and it is everything I was told. Climbs steep hills, crawls up and over fallen trees, through water and mud without any problems. The auto is unbelieveable! you cannot tell when the atv changes gears. Its the smoothes tran that I have ever been around on an atv. The center of gravity is one of the best features! It clings to hills and makes you feel secure going along the side of them, not like your ready to tip over. The low profile also help when going through the woods and over grown parts of the farm. I am impressed every time I go out riding with some aspect of the atv I wasnt aware of until you experience it. I could have bought any atv on the market, but after researching all the atvs I went with the rubicon for the reliabity, price, and we have a local dealer who will stand behind any unforseen problems that may arise. He also sells polaris and Kaws so you know he has a good service department.I paid under 6,000.00 and that included a 3 yr. honda warranty, cover, and a gun rack. Good Luck with your new ride.

 

I thought the Rubicon had a hydrostatic type transmission, thus not actually having "gears"

 

Krawl,
You are right! I guess I am still wanting to put gears on everything. The esp feature makes me feel like I am changing gears though. Thanks for reading my post so carefully and I will try to be more aware of the gear vs hydro. trans. wording in future post.

 

OldFarmer, "gear" works pretty good. We still enjoy our's every time we ride it. Glad to see you like the new machine.

 

I'm enjoying my '02 Rubicon. It's my first quad, and so far has done everything I've asked it to. It's skidded logs that my in-laws were ready to bet it wouldn't pull, it's crawled through ditches that looked like they'd eat it alive, and it's been 100% reliable so far. I only use it for work and a little play, but it works like a little tractor.