I purchased a Pioneer about a week ago, went and picked it up last Thursday so we've only had it a couple of days so these are going to be my very early impressions of it. For comparison, I also own a Polaris Ranger diesel, and prior to that had a Ranger 500.
So far I love the auto transmission over the CVT in the Ranger. It does take a little getting used to. I found it kind of jumpy to begin with, I was used to having to rev the engine some before the belt would catch and you'd move. With the Honda you can give it gas like a car, and you'll start off nice and smooth.
Engine is smooth and responsive, with a nice throaty sound. Before deciding on the Honda I also looked at the new Yamaha Viking. The dealer started them both in the showroom, the Honda idled nice and smooth and the Viking shook the dash something fierce at idle! It did smooth out once you gave it a little gas.
Speed. Like reported it'll go mid 40's....I really don't care. Slightly faster than the Ranger diesel, which is fast enough for us anyway.
Cab. Simple. I really like the tilt steering on the Ranger so I miss that (I'm fat!). Getting in and out isn't as easy. Doors really swing open quite wide so they aren't a problem, but the netting does get in the way some. The one thing that ALMOST swung me to the Yamaha Viking was the room in the cab, much easier for me to get in and out of! That being said, it isn't a problem for my wife or kids so I can live with it.
The dealer wanted me to take it home and get some miles on it so they can do the first service when all the accessories come in. He claimed they'd be in in one week....we'll see. I've ordered a hard top, soft doors and back, poly split windshield, light bar and switch panel. I'm having a plow installed too, but could save about $500 getting it elsewhere. After getting then installed I'll do an update.
So far I love the auto transmission over the CVT in the Ranger. It does take a little getting used to. I found it kind of jumpy to begin with, I was used to having to rev the engine some before the belt would catch and you'd move. With the Honda you can give it gas like a car, and you'll start off nice and smooth.
Engine is smooth and responsive, with a nice throaty sound. Before deciding on the Honda I also looked at the new Yamaha Viking. The dealer started them both in the showroom, the Honda idled nice and smooth and the Viking shook the dash something fierce at idle! It did smooth out once you gave it a little gas.
Speed. Like reported it'll go mid 40's....I really don't care. Slightly faster than the Ranger diesel, which is fast enough for us anyway.
Cab. Simple. I really like the tilt steering on the Ranger so I miss that (I'm fat!). Getting in and out isn't as easy. Doors really swing open quite wide so they aren't a problem, but the netting does get in the way some. The one thing that ALMOST swung me to the Yamaha Viking was the room in the cab, much easier for me to get in and out of! That being said, it isn't a problem for my wife or kids so I can live with it.
The dealer wanted me to take it home and get some miles on it so they can do the first service when all the accessories come in. He claimed they'd be in in one week....we'll see. I've ordered a hard top, soft doors and back, poly split windshield, light bar and switch panel. I'm having a plow installed too, but could save about $500 getting it elsewhere. After getting then installed I'll do an update.
