I would like to learn more about ATVs. I've noted the utility types would probably be favored over the smaller faster sport types? Has anyone experience with specific makes & models? Reliability issues? Costs?

Once again, thanks in advance.

My experience is almost exclusively with utility quads. Anything made by Honda or Yamaha will be bulletproof. Polaris used to have a poor reputation for reliability but I think those days are long gone, and the Polaris Sportsman 700 I rode a couple years ago was the easiest on my rear end of any I have tried. If I were shopping for a new one today I would look at getting an engine at least 400 cc's or bigger, auto trans, in-and-out 2WD/4WD capability, independant rear suspension (IRS), and an on-demand locker for the front wheels. The next one I buy will probably be The Rhino. Of course, it will mostly be for hunting rather than bugging out. <img src="/images/graemlins/grin.gif" alt="" />

One thing I cannot stress enough: whatever you decide on, do not let your new ATV leave the dealers with the crappy stock tires on it. I have heard them referred to as "bologna skins" and that is a pretty good description. You can get a set of excellent aftermarket tires for $200-$300, and that will be the single biggest upgrade you will make by far.

This Rhino has a bunch of cool Accessories. I like it.

For most applications a utility ATV would be most versatle. I'm most partial to Hondas, (all of our dirtbikes and quads are Hondas due to absolute dependability) but Yamaha makes pretty good ones as well.

Size is a serious thing to consider though. If you are of ample size and strength you can get a 4X4 quad up to 650 ccs very powerful and very capable with good load capacity and towing capability. If not, there are smaller ones to fit most anyone. My wife has a Honda Recon 250 2WD that is much more manageble to handle but still has plenty of power and even though its 2WD it goes pretty much anywhere you want to go in the Southwest. If you live in an area where there is a lot of mud a 4X4 should be consided. Either way if you buy one and intend to use it as an alternate bugout vehicle invest in a winch. A stuck quad is a bear to get out by hand. You can get a Warn winch for a quad for around $350. A small investment if you are putting your survival on the line.

With the tracks, I imagine it would be quite capable off road !!! <img src="/images/graemlins/shocked.gif" alt="" />

I have a Honda Rubicon and really like it a lot. I use it mostly for hunting and run it in some nasty mud.

My farming friends that run 4 wheelers for work tell me Hondas are consistently the most reliable.

Surely you already have thses for your 4x4
MATTRACKS

I have a 1985 honda fourtrax, which runs as good now as it did then, a 2005 rubicon, and a 2006 rancher. All of these have been put through hell in the atv club im in, even the rancher which is only 4 months old, and they still run like new. i've owned a few other hondas through the years and absolutely loved all of them. like others have suggested hondas and yamahas cant be beat on reliability and toughness. polaris and kawasaki are trash they may offer better ground clearance and bigger engines but its no good if its not running