--- title: "Polaris Sportsman 500" description: "Polaris Sportsman 500" date: "2007-09-18" modified: "2007-09-18" authors: - name: "Rob Reaser" link: "https://www.outdoorlife.com/authors/rob-reaser.md" url: "https://www.outdoorlife.com/articles/gear/2007/09/polaris-sportsman-500/" categories: - "Gear" tags: - "Evergreen" - "Gear Reviews" --- # Polaris Sportsman 500 ![]() *Outdoor Life Online Editor* **Polaris Sportsman 500** "Big" and "cushy" are adjectives often used when referring to automatic 4x4 ATVs, but those words wouldn't be appropriate for the Polaris Sportsman 500 H.O.RSE. ("H.O." refers to the high-output 499cc engine. "RSE" stands for "Remington Special Edition.") This ATV is rigged for the outdoorsman who likes an aggressive ride, and by that we mean it's stiff -- a welcome suspension characteristic when trail conditions get rough, but a wrist-wrencher when you're riding over obstacles. The Polaris Sportsman 500 meets rugged terrain with its MacPherson-strut front suspension, fully independent rear end and good undercarriage clearance. It even looks macho: This package sports a Mossy Oak Break-Up camo job, large front and rear rack extenders and stout front and rear tube bumpers. Although we like the awesome power and impressive 1,225-pound towing capacity, our test model failed on downhill slopes. With the transmission in 4-LO and while employing multiple techniques (such as adjusting the throttle and brakes), steep descents on snow and mud were a little scary because the front wheels wouldn't lock into the drive train; as a result, the front wheels spun as freely as they would in two-wheel drive. This problem persisted even when we were driving uphill with the ATV in reverse. Overall, the Sportsman 500 H.O.RSE is a serious trail machine with a lot of power, good traction and a rough-and-ready suspension system. The inability of the front wheels to lock in on steep downhill slopes is a significant drawback; however, those outdoorsmen who like to be "one" with the trail might find that this is the automatic 4x4 for which they've been looking. (763-542-2314)