ATV Television Test - 2005 Polaris Sportsman 700 

We got a carb 700 Twin and it has been great for us so far. Went through 2 Honda Rubicon's and had tranny problems with both (along with ESP/D1/D2 electrical issues). The twin is smooth (much better than some singles I have driven), overall it is a better machine than the honda rubicon by far. Better on gas, better suspension, more power and a better 4x4 system. So for what we do with our wheeler its been everything we were looking for.

I have this exact machine. and all the negatives about it are very true. i am a polaris fan thru and thru but once you get used to the fact that you can use the thottle and engine braking to your advantage its much better. get the rpms high enough to catch while going down a steep hill in 4x4 is much easier. and you just have to learn to like the override button! other than that you are spot on with the review. keep up the good work!

@ATVTVCOM actually we did. We travel at high speeds a lot and the rubicon went through more fuel, but I guess I have to add that the rubicon had 26" mud tires and the sportsman has stock tires.

Would you consider this ATV to be tippy? Also, was the steering particularly heavy? I understand it's not a sport machine, but does it handle well at high speed? Thanks in advance,

The thing is, this guy has been testing ATVs since 1995 and has tested hundreds and hundreds of machines over the years, which kinda makes his opinion of the more experienced and educated kind ;-)

But, should you really have to do that? It never ceases to amaze me that you need to apply throttle going downhill to make the engine braking work. All you have to do on other machines is let off of the throttle - an amazing concept that Polaris should look into ;-)

@Derek130b The Polaris system locks in both front wheels when they sense one of the front wheels slip.

@Derek130b CVTs need to be sealed and the intake and exhausts snorkeled for the mud and deep water.

why does the check engine icon always is on the screen but not when im riding it?why is it that way?

@ATVTVCOM my bad... i have a 96 plaris and it works great

Do you prefer the 2009 outlander 650 over the 2009 sportsman 700.

@joe23da Yes. Check out some of the websites that sell tires.

@2000greenz24 We were just shocked as most of the big Polaris' we ride really suck the fuel - but that's usually climbing to high altitudes and long trips through the mountains.

@Derek130b The 500s are the best......

@l0lum4d It's tall and it's heavy. Compared to newer (and the longer Tourings) yes, it's tippy.

@The02polaris Roughly put in language we prefer not to use on our site, but very true nonetheless ;-)

@2000greenz24 Now I see. It makes sense now especially with the bigger tires on the Rubicon trying so hard to keep the pace.

We monitor all the comments on 'our' site.

when you don't beat the shit out of it they work just fine

is the rear suspension on these adjustable?

@Northernstar9370 You have obviously never ridden a machine where you can back up without having to push a button to put in 4WD, or had the engine braking go to all the wheels when going down hills and not having to worry about the backend skidding all around, nor had the option of truly having control over the braking options. And not sure what 3-wheelers have to do with this conversation either. Nuff said ;-)

How does a CVT trans work... Is it automatic????

@2000greenz24 You lost some credibility when you mentioned the Sportsman 700 even got better gas mileage than the Honda Rubicon!

@xbomberchic13x We haven't seen them to be as reliable as some of the other manufacturers

Well, not teribly acurate but a good over veiw. 1- The reverse over ride for 4x4. You have to stop to switch into reverse so hit the button at the same time. Not hard, not complex. 2- Engine brake only works on the rear wheels. Yes you would think so. Does any one else remember that rule about controlled power going down or using the brakes? If you free wheel down hills..... 3- handle operates F and R brakes. Any one remember 3 wheelers? Nuff said. Mike.

@xxxthorexxx253 We list our favorite quads on the FAQ page of our website.

@ericpinter29 Yes

@xbomberchic13x i own honda yamaha and a polaris and i honestly say honda is pretty damn good but i like polaris is my 2nd as for the ride polaris is smooth

is the 2002 fuel injected

@reptilesgamers No

But we do ;-)

@xbomberchic13x You get what you pay for.

Sorry Evan, but, ah, no.......

@QsKquikscopers No

It's a Polaris. They live in a different universe ;-)