I’ve spent a few months shopping for my first ATV and I’ve got it narrowed down between two models. I’ve got it down to these two simply because the dealer that I’d like to buy from has both brands. I’ve looked at other models and brands but the Honda/Polaris dealer has always been a great dealership and will stand behind whatever they sell for whatever issues may come up and would like to give them my business.

I know this is a Honda forum and thus expect everyone to say ‘get the Honda’ but I’d like to know WHY you guys love these little machines so much! They’re not as big or fast as the other guys but they seem popular.

The first is a Honda 420.
Honda ATV

I believe most of you will known it as the Rancher but us Canucks refer to it as the TRX 420 DCT/IRS/EPS. I like the Honda’s transmission, that new DCT is as good as a CVT in my opinion and I like the option to shift it manually. It rode very well, it’s light, and above all I trust Honda’s reputation of reliability. I drive a Ridgeline not because it’s the best truck but because mine has 105,000 miles without a hiccup. The rancher doesn’t have much in the way of onboard storage, no 12v outlet (only a $50), and it’s only got about 30 horses. But, I feel like that I couldn’t go wrong with a Honda! Even if it’s orange. Including set up and an installed winch I’d be looking at $11,200 including all taxes (remember, this is Canada. . . )

The second is a Polaris Sportsman 570 EPS.
2015 Polaris Sportsman 570 EPS Bright White : Features CA

Many of my buddies seem to loathe Polaris for their poor reliability (such as my buddy’s best friends’ cousin had one and an engine blew up in two years etc.) and I must admit a part of my worries about buying one for that reason. I know the local dealer would be great for service but I’d hate to have to deal with that all the same. It has a rougher motor but that engine braking is great, it’s got 44 ponies to unleash, has great storage, a handlebar headlight, a 12v outlet, a good ride. For this model with a winch, set up, and 5 years of warrantee they want $9500 all in.

Most of my riding will be done in between 20-40 MPH in ditches and light trail use, perhaps a tad of mud, and light utility work. I had a test machine up to 30 (I think, it was 50km/h) and honestly that seemed about as fast as I’d want to go the vast majority of the time. There’s a market for 1000cc machines but that isn’t me.

What would you folks do??