Artic cats aren't known for their quality.
According to Honda, Neither are the Polaris.
that may be so, but that's only because Polaris is leading the pack on new tech where as Honda hasn't innovated in 15+ years. and both brands show the cost of their individual business plans. Honda is a dwindling market share and Polaris is the #1 ATV and SxS manufacture. The Sportsman 500 is the standard against which all other ATVs are measured as it is the #1 selling ATV of all time. Not just for Polaris.
OF ALL TIME. It is a tried and true work horse and as bullet proof as an ATV can be. and I'll stake that against a honda too. If it weren't a honda would have that #1 seat.
Don't get me wrong. Honda's are quality machines and testiments to reliability, but if I wanted to be beat up by what I was riding I'd buy a horse.