I'm wondering what some of the better 4x4s from the early 2000s are, engine size being around 500cc.

I'd love to sell our two Warriors and get a 4x4. Our neighbors have 2000-ish Arctic Cat 500s (one auto, one semi-auto). They've both had their quirks, but compared to my Warriors and Lakota, they're a dream to ride on the bumpy and muddy trails.

So, keeping things like:

- Chasiss durability
- Ride quality
- Overall reliability/low-maintenance

in mind... what were the best of that time? Fuel economy is also worth it to me.

There aren't any mud pits here that my Lakota can't make it through, so the quality of the 4x4 system isn't a huge concern, neither is speed/power.

Also, I've gathered that Arctic Cats have used Kawasaki, Suzuki, and their own engines.... Anything else? Which is the best? I'm pretty sure my neighbor's 500s have Suzukis, which aren't always happy about starting, but run beautifully.

 

That would be the 650 kawi.

 

500 Sportsman has a super reliable engine, most comfortable ride of the bunch, and the strongest frame (usually the heaviest quad for that reason). I don't remember other quads out there in that time frame with a 500 powerplant. I didn't really get into it until around 2004 or so. I bought a Kawasaki Lakota too. Lots of fun but not good here in New England where there are lots of rocks, deep water, and deep mud. Look around and try to test ride each of the quads that look like they'd fill the bill. My buddies ride 2002-2004 Sportsman 500s and all have had little to no troubles with them. My 06 has been almost completely trouble free over 2000 hard New England miles.

 

you dont remember other 500s? that wa and maybe still is the most competitive class on the market! by 2001 suzuki had a 500, polaris, honda, yamaha had a 600 grizzly and in 2002 kawi had the 650 prairie. the sportsman 500 started it all, and in that time frame was still one of the fastest and best overall machines