What are your opinions on 4X4 ATV's, which one would you buy. My Dad just bought a Honda 4X4 Rancher ES. It is really nice with the electric shift, will climb like crazzy.

 

I personally like Polaris the best. More ride height and stronger motors.

 

I think its a personal preference. The reliability of most ATV's has reached a point that you can buy any one without worrying about making it back to your truck. I drove 'em all and bought a Rubicon and I'm as happy as a pig in #### with it. Check out http://www.highlifter.com. Their msg boards are loaded with info.

Having said that...Honda rules!

 

....Well this is me, but I would buy American. Go with Polaris, it is a superior machine.

 

i had a polaris 2wd sport and it was very fun, but from what i've heard from friends who have 4x4 atvs now is that the honda is the best on the market for pulling. of course none of my friends has been on the new yamaha yet.
polaris definitely makes a quality machine and yes it's american but what matters is what pulls right. besides with the polaris you have to get the automatic tranny and the linked brakes. i didn't mind the tranny although it will slip when wet, but the linked brakes have absolutely no place on a sport machine. i don't think i'd want them on a mud runner or puller either. jmo.
also you can go to www.atvtime.com you'll get tons of info there.

 

I gotta go with Polaris also. Ive had every brand and every style. I like the 400 polaris over the 500 too. I like the 2 stroke. (injected) It is pretty quick and fun through the trails. People laugh at the utility but they dont laugh when you pass there new 400ex in a turn and proceed to stomp there but. But thats just my 5 cents.

 

As a SEBWEF trapper I have logged many hours
and miles on numerous quads, sometimes
riding up to 8 hours per day during extreme
temps. I can say, without a doubt, that the sheer
reliability of the Honda is unrivaled.

As a number two choice, I would name the Polaris.
This quad is the best suspended atv out today.
However, reliability has been a detractor for the
Polaris, especially some of the earlier models.
Polaris has done much to correct these problems.
Today, I wouldn't hesitate buying a Polaris as a
second quad, but Honda will always be my main
ride.

 

I have a 2000 Honda Rancher 4x4 S im not big on the ES but theyre also nice!! I really like ym 350 not as well as my old Foreman 450ES but close. the foreman had more power which was a given! but honestly i think i can take this rancher more places than i di dthe 450! the rancher is comfortable to ride and my old 450 felt like you were on top of everything kinda scared ya ihn a bind!
JJ

oh yea make sure he keeps that thang out of as much mud and water as possible
thats what killed my 450ES