Who has a Honda Pioneer?

...and what do you think of it? What do you like and dislike about it?

I've been a Ranger fan, and still am. But, interested in what the Honda machine has to offer. I've owned Honda 4 wheelers before, and they just kept running... The Pioneer is fairly new to the scene, but maybe some of you have some personal experience you can share.

Thanks!

BA

It will prob be a good machine. I have used the predecessor of the pioneer, the Big Red, and it was junk. If Honda would put in an electric shift transmission it would be a great utility vehicle. But the automatic they use with auto clutch slips a lot after use and is very expensive to replace

I have the 2015 pioneer 500. It has done a lot more than I wanted it to. Has a lot more power than I thought it would. Spent 2 weeks in the mountains of Colorado in it with no issues at all. It has hauled everything I put on it.I had Ramball make me a bed for the back of it and it has worked out great

That Colorado comment is good info. I'm hoping to make that trip myself this summer. From what I've been reading, the Pioneer loses a lot of power and struggles in the high altitude, above 8-9000 feet. That's the biggest negative I've heard, but it's been mentioned many times.

But, that's why I was hoping for some "first hand" info from THF. You've been there...done that...and had no problem with the altitude. Thanks for the input.

Helomech has one, he loves it and is NOT gentle on his ATV's. I will try and get him on here....

Don't know when, but he said he will stop by and give his input...

We took our Tery4 to 13,300 feet last September while riding 130 miles in one day. The machine did great, never noticed a reduce in power but we also weren't dogging on it. There was a CanAm Turbo the broke down because he overheated the turbo because of the thin air. Saw 1 Pioneer me they isn't seem to have any problems.

I have a 2014 700-4. and I love it. It has done everything I have asked of it with zero issues. It has hauled 500lbs of corn in the bed and a Polar Sport trailer with another 500 lbs in it through steep creek crossings with no problems and that is with 2 riders with a combined weight of over 500 lbs.
The unique pop up rear seats is one of the main reasons I bought it as it gives me the flexibility of taking the grandsons for rides while still being able to haul it on a 10 ft trailer.
Letting the unit warm up for a couple minutes will keep my transmission from slipping. Not having a belt, with all the issues that comes with them was one of the other reasons I chose the Pioneer.
Have not had it in any high altitude yet so I can't speak on power loss in that arena.
Time will tell if it lives up to Hondas reputation on reliability.

I have a 2005 honda big red, I think the power train is the same as the pioneer. I absolutely love it, only problem I have has was the starter went out, other than that is has been perfect. I beat the hell out of it, and it gets used almost every day. The reason I went with the honda was because of the transmission, I believe it is the best one out there for work. I would not trade my 05 for a brand new machine, unless it was another honda. The first gear has more than enough power to do anything you want. I have towed logs that a can ams could not tow. They are not fast about 42 mph, and they are not made to jump hills, but if you want a tough machine that won't let you down pick the honda.

i have a 14 Pioneer 700

smooth, tough, lots of torque, fold down seats great for junk

I drag my 20 ft tandem trailer with it, easily 2500lbs with stuff in the trailer

Helomech is correct we moved a downed tree that was not small but in the middle of the road. When your in East Texas your not going around it.

I have rode in and drove one and it is nice. The only negative that I could find is that it is the loudest engine of any UTV that I have been around. I don't think I would be able to hear my beeper collars on my birddogs over the roar of the engine, but the Pioneer may be the stoutest of all the UTVs. In any other arena besides quail hunting, I would endorse it and this is with me owning a newer Kawasaki Trans Mule 4010 of which is perfect for what I do with it.

Lots of good "first hand" info here. Thanks for that! I'm trying to decide if I want to stay loyal to Polaris and go with a new 570 Ranger, or the 700 Pioneer.

So far, the big concern I had with the Pioneer was loss of power at high altitude. That won't come into play very often for me, at all. But, I'd hate to get jacked up and need it without it being able to perform. But, it doesn't sound like that's an issue any longer.

I'm familiar with the Ranger products, I have an 800 crew now that I'm looking to downsize. But, I think I may need to take a closer look at the Pioneer. I'm glad I asked. This is good info. Thanks to all!

BA

How is the paddle shift on the 500?

I like it. No problems at all. Allows you holld in any gear you need. Shifts great

Love my 700-4...

Charlie

I have a 2011 Big Red that is one stout machine. The wife wanted a complete redo of her flower beds so we decided to use rock. I would take my 6.5x10 trailer to get the rock with my truck. When I got home I would hook the Big Red to the trailer and pull up to 2 tons of rock Plus trailer around the house to put rock out. It never whimper, just kept on going.

I got to ride in one for a bit. I forget which size it was but it was nice. Very quite and smooth riding. It will likely replace my Polaris.

I have addressed a couple issues I had with the Pioneer 700-4.
First, the stock headlights were terrible. I have an LED light bar for when I want to really light things up but during hunting season I wanted something brighter that the yellow headlights but not the "daylight" of the LED bar. Simple solution was I replaced the stock bulbs with some sylvania 866 bulbs, plug and play and huge improvement over stock. Less than $20 for this upgrade, 50 watts vs 35 watts.
Second was addressing the lack of storage capacity. I added the Honda cargo bag that attaches on the roll bar behind the seats. Great quality and I can now carry the basics onboard. I am considering putting it lower (between the headrests) but have not decided yet. Tire repair kit, multi tool, flashlight, spare ammo, bug bombs, sunscreen and bug spray all have a home now.
Really solid machine and still exploring its capabilities.

I came on here to ask pretty much the same question as OP.

Ive been talking to a few dealerships about a 700. For price point, Im going to buy a 2 seater and add rumble seats in the bed.

Any ideas on where I can get the best price? Im willing to travel 2 hours from Temple.

Also, I had a mechanic(not a salesman) a the Killeen PowerSports tell me that there isn't a UTV made today that compares to the Pioneer 1000. I want a 1000 however, I am looking at price points and I cant justify that much more for what I am going to use it for.

BTW, I lost my lease area so I have a 2011 Big Red for sale if anyone is interested. Call for more information. 9038550441 Thanks