Thanks for all the responses. The information I gathered on this site really helped me make an informed decision about my purchase. After all the pros and cons were weighed, I ended up buying a 04 Honda Rancher AT in olive green. Let me say I couldn't be happier. My concerns about having an auto were overblown. The engine breaking on this thing is great. It has plenty of pep, and I love the digital display. It came down to the Rancher AT and the Kodiak 450. I thought the IRS of the Kodiak would be great, but in the end I went with what I think is the safe bet. At the time I didn't know if I would really like the auto, and since the Rancher can switch between auto and esp, that's the way I went. Of course it didn't take a leap of faith on my part to buy a Honda. Now.....if I could just find the perfect trailer.

 

You need to go to a few local dealers and look at all the models that interest you and go from there. ask yourself if you want a carberated model or an EFI model. that narrows it down by itself. then your next step is to decide between 2x4 or 4x4, sport or utility, colors, styles, etc. try riding a few different models to see which of them suit you better. I own a Polaris and was basically lured in by them being the first brand in 04 to have an EFI quad so I got it, not only cause of the EFI but because of the quality, style, suspension(IRS/IFS), overall handling/comfort, and looks/appearance. I love my new quad and now that I installed a 2" lift and a set of 27" ITP Mudlites on type 6 C-series wheels I love it even more.

 

oh and by the way welcome to the forums.