I have an 800XC that has been reliable, less than 1,000 miles. I've had one issue, the hot stall issue, that was addressed by the dealer and I have not had any other issues with it. I also owned a Kawasaki Prairie 650 (2003) with close to 5,000 miles on it. I had an issue with it when it was new that affected the 4 wheel drive and kicked it into limp mode, took the dealer several months and a lot of complaining by me before it was finally fixed correctly. After that it was pretty much a bullet proof machine. I beat it up pretty bad. I also own a 2006 Polaris 450 (also close to 5,000 miles) that has had it's share of issues, cracking body parts, CV boots that tore and other little things. The cracking body parts issue Polaris tried to deny a warranty claim until I showed the service manager a brand new machine on their floor that had the same cracks. I also have a Polaris RZR that has been a very reliable machine. My favorite machine was the Kawasaki, rode like crap, steered very hard and could be cantankerous to start but for some reason I really liked it. I find that I favor my 800XC over the Polaris ATV because it reminds me somewhat of my Kawasaki. However it steers much easier with EPS. I will say that I'm not impressed by the skid plates on the 800XC, I just replaced them after discovering that the entire middle section was missing after a ride. I have ridden my other two ATV's very hard and overall they have been good machines and can't complain about them. The RZR I usually cruise pretty easy in, I also plan on taking it easy on the 800XC since I want it to last. I have friends that I ride with that own Suzuki's, Artic Cat, Can Am and Kawasaki's. All of them have had their issues. A lot has to do with how well you take care of them and how you drive them. I will say the Polaris ATV's ride better. This is all just my opinion and experience, I'm sure you will get a lot more input from others.