The Top ATV Brands

If you could only invest in three things, what would they be? The best guarantees in life are water, graveyards, and ATVs. When you dig into the pricing, you’ll be shocked at the difference between new and used models when compared to cars.

But we’re here to talk about why you’ve been searching for an “ATV for sale near me.” If you’re looking for the top ATV brands on the market, congratulations because you have found a comprehensive guide to the most popular brands.

You need an article from a trusted source to make the best decision possible. You’re about to get much more than that. By the time you’re done reading this, you’ll know how to find the best ATV of your life.

Arctic Cat

This manufacturer only made snowmobiles until 1996, when it started to produce utility ATVs. Today, Arctic Cat offers a super ATV for an enthusiast of any experience level. This company offers everything from youth models to high-performance machines for racing.

Pros:

• Steady suspension for a smooth ride
• Excellent handling
• Low weight Class
• Great choice for young drivers or rookies

Cons:

• High gearing in differentials
• High Range Reverse
• Lack of Storage
• Complaints about headlights being too fragile in 06 models

The average customer for Arctic Cat is someone who enjoys trail riding, but they’re not religious about how often they ride. If you want extras like a 4×4 drive, power steering, or a winch, they’re easy to find and install. Anyone with a farm or ranch who plans to use it for light work shouldn’t be disappointed with regular maintenance.

Honda

You’ll typically don’t get the latest bells and whistles from Honda, but you cannot find another brand on this list with a better safety rating. Do you know that gut-curdling feeling when your four-wheeler loses traction? Your safe with the TraxLok and electric gear shift technology in these ATVs.

Pros:

• Honda engines are famous for their reliability
• Lighter weight options
• Comfortable for longer rides

Cons:

• Weaker frames in certain models
• Stock tires tend to be weaker than desired
• Required maintenance is not as consistent from one model to another

A Honda ATV owner usually plans to ride for long periods of time who doesn’t want to wind up stuck deep into a trail. You’re also going to be someone who doesn’t mind doing regular maintenance, switching out tires, or installing accessories. Don’t rule Honda out of your search immediately because there’s a reason why fans of the brand say they “bleed red.”

Kawasaki

Kawasaki’s origins go all the way back to 1878, but today we’re going to focus on their current generation of utility ATVs.

The most common model you’re going to hear about from Kawasaki is the Brute Force 750. It’s a solid all-around choice, especially for an owner who anticipates long rides. You’re not going to win any races anytime soon with the most common models at the dealership, but this brand can fit general needs nicely for the cost.

Pros:

• Smooth ride
• Solid machine with longevity
• Great value for the cost

Cons:

• Stock tires are not worth writing home about
• Not the best handling in some popular models
• Less powerful compared to its peers

The best course of action with Kawasaki is to do your homework on the models that catch your eye. You need to commit to maintenance for the best results. Talk to someone about your priorities, and you’re likely to find an ATV that will work fine for many years.

Polaris

If you’re looking for a workhorse ATV, you can’t do much better than talking to your local Polaris Dealership. This manufacturer builds its machines to handle any abuse you can throw its way. That’s also the reason why the military prefers using the MRZR D4, a utility ATV with a mighty four-stroke diesel engine.

Pros:

• Another solid choice for young drivers or rookies
• Heaviest ATVs on the market
• Keeps up to date with trends with each year’s releases

Cons:

• Certain models or years have iffy ratings for reliability
• Not the fastest ATV out there for thrill-seekers
• Heaviest ATVs on the market*

*A heavier ATV is generally considered a better option for beginners. The heavier the frame, the less likely a newbie will be to lose traction on slick surfaces. This also means a slower machine, which can be a negative, depending on what you want.

Polaris doesn’t compete very well if you’re interested in racing, but an ATV the military trusts is always a safe choice for the everyday hobbyist. If you need a reliable machine to take abuse as a Rocky Mountain ATV or something to drive the cows home, don’t be afraid to go with Polaris.

Suzuki

This manufacturer was one of the first companies to produce an ATV meant for both off-road and on-road purposes. If you’ve ever seen your neighbour riding down the city streets on his four-wheeler and wondered how he got away with it, the chances are good that he’s riding a Suzuki.

Don’t get the wrong impression. A Suzuki is also a versatile machine that can give you practical application in the real-world. If you need towing capacity or more storage space, the Suzuki KingQuad 750 is one of the strongest and most consistent ATVs in the world.

Pros:

• Known for being a reliable, long-lasting choice
• The QuadRunner is a popular choice at any dealership
• New models keep up well with new features

Cons:

• For new buyers, especially, this can be a pricier option
• Not as well-known for being generous with storage space
• The engines tend to be less powerful than something like a Polaris

The basic truth is that the brand that introduced the four-wheeler in 1983 is a reliable choice, no matter what your cousin Larry tries to tell you. They also gave ATV enthusiasts the first four-wheel drive model when they unveiled the QuadRunner. Find one at the right price, treat it right, and it will treat you right back.

Yamaha

This manufacturer took the same hit that most companies took when pure sport ATVs fell out of favour after the Great Recession in 2008. However, they continue to make super ATVs that are among the easiest to maintain, and they’re a popular option in the racing community.

Pros:

• Durable in different weather extremes
• Excellent overall value for the low to mid-range cost
• A favourite brand for hunters

Cons:

• Engine reliability doesn’t begin to reach Honda levels
• Certain model years tend to have issues regarding fuel valves

Yamaha is not exclusively for fans of getting some serious speed on a four-wheeler. If you’re looking for anything from a casual ride on trails to being competitive at the track, it’s worth your time to consider a Yamaha. They’re as “average” as an ATV can be, but their consistency and reliability of the Yamaha Grizzly and Kodiaks keep customers coming back for more.

How to Use This New Information

Now that you know about the top ATV brands on the market, which one do you choose? There’s good news, mate. We’re going to solve that for you today.

These may be the top ATV brands at the dealership, but the best four-wheeler is the one that meets your priorities. Ask yourself the following questions:

• What is your budget?
• How will you be using the ATV?
• What size ATV will meet your needs?
• What are your “must-haves” for the machine you want?
• How much time do you want to put into maintenance?

Like anything else in life, the “best” anything is a reliable product that fits your expectations and your budget.

It’s always worthwhile talking to someone you trust to have a more in-depth discussion. Like cars, the most popular ATV brands have their ups and downs with their products every year. It pays to have someone who is always invested in knowing the most popular models’ pros and cons.

Want to Talk About ATV Brands? Give Us a Call

You’re here because it’s hard to know who to trust. Brand loyalty blinds people to the benefits of a Ford vs. Chevy. Why would it be any different for utility ATVs?

Remember that part at the beginning about finding the best all-terrain vehicle of your life? Now that you’re educated about the top ATV brands and you know what questions to ask, it’s time to have a conversation.

Please don’t settle for any four-wheeler because you’re Uncle Cletus said he had good luck with a popular brand. Take the time to find something that you’ll look forward to riding out of the garage.