10 Things I HATE about the 2023 Honda Pioneer 700-4

[@AmbientCityFarm]

Thanks for doing that review. We have been kicking around the idea of getting one for the property and this was helpful to see some gripes instead of all the ooh, awes, this is so great type of review.

[@ChoresOnTheFarmChannel]

Glad you found it useful! I have a couple of other videos filmed; just need to find the time to edit. Hoping to post a top speed run and discussion in a day or two, and a top 10 “pros” video soon after. If I can help with specific questions, feel free to shoot me a message or leave another comment. Appreciate you watching and taking the time to comment.

[@bprice3553]

For the seatbelt issue just either buckle the belt prior to getting in or just find only the buckle part and insert it into the release. we do both on the farm on ours

[@patrickcobbs5217]

I honestly think you were reading my mind! I have had this thing for a week. Everything you mentioned, I found as soon as I got it home and actually rode it and looked at it. You nailed it. I knew about the back seat’s when I bought it. And whoever at the dealer put it together at the dealer did a horrible job. Been fixing their mess. Missing bolts and not correct. Mine has no squeaks yet. The at/mt switch I noticed first though. And the headlight switch is in a dumb location.

[@ChoresOnTheFarmChannel]

Agreed on the headlight switch. I also wish it had LED headlights. I will complain about that on a follow up video. LOL

[@billjensen6216]

I have one and agree with all the same issues. Looking atvgoing with the 1000 pioneer just for the transmission and engine RPM thing. When Im on the road with it I manually shift it into 3rd at 25 MPH top speed is 43 MPH and at 35 MPH it starts to sound like the engine needs that 4th gear or even the 6 speed transmission the 1000 has. For the price it should have come with the 6 speed transmission. I have to laugh at the people complaining about your complaints on the 700-4 pioneer. The title says what the video is about. What were they expecting? Roses and hot coffee to drink while watching the video. I have a 2020 honda pioneer 700-4 with the exact same issues and complaints. I just bought a 2023 can am defender 1000 and its quite, fast, and so far no complaints other then the price but it is 2023 after all. Lol great video by the way.

[@anonw3829]

Thanks...Reading my owners manual while watching (listening) to you. Got a 700 deluxe yesterday! And it does rattle along...

[@USA-GreedyMenOfNoIntegrity]

Took a test drive in one yesterday that is the main thing I noticed rattles and squeaks whether at idle or going down the road

[@dcampean]

I am looking to get one and I have 2nd thougths... How much you bought it for . Now these days I can get it for 13k. base model

[@mikedkc]

Honest and straightforward opinions based on first hand experience. Great job. Thank you for your insight. I still like the Honda over the competition for many reasons. One of which is the Honda brand which from my perspective is all about reliability. I still have not made a purchase yet. You make an interesting claim about these being golf carts. In a sense I get your point.

[@bryceelstad8526]

Totaly agree with the rattles and squeeks! Also, the AT and the key location i agree with! However, everything u mentioned on the issues with the back 2 seats (lack of storage, grease on the pants, etc.) What did u expect? If u wanted a true 4 person ATV, buy a 4 door. Main reason i bought this machine is that it fits in my 3500 bed (barely) but it does fit! Not having to purchase a trailer and having to haul it with another rig makes up for most of the issues mentioned, at least in my mind

[@Dmax04]

Last summer we bought the 1000-3 deluxe addition. The only gripe so far is the bed squeaks going down the road. Not a major problem but just annoying. I tried to adjust the latches on the front of the bed to pull it down tighter but it didn't help. Kemimoto sells a nice seat cover. It protects the seat and it's cooler to set on when it's 90 in the shade. I also bought the floor mat and mirrors and rear soft window from them. The delux addition came with rear view mirror,under dash storage and storage under the driver's seat adjustable shocks and a winch. It supposedly will run close to 70 but I've only had it to around 55. It also sounds like it could use another gear. I need to check the manual again. I thought i read 600 miles on oil changes. We had the dealer install a top and windshield. That was an extra $1100. Then all the dust was coming in from the back. Got the soft cover for $35 from Kemimoto and that solved the dust problem. Have been looking at getting a set of the upper doors for it and a decent sound bar.

[@rogerjohnson4785]

If you’re having shifting issues you need to change the oil. The engine and transmission share the same fluid

[@ChoresOnTheFarmChannel]

Appreciate the info. New machine with less than 15 hours at the time of recording. I have since changed the oil. Old/Original oil was at proper level and clean. Didn’t seem like a mechanical challenge in shifting. Just inconsistency in the actual shift point. I’ll keep an eye on it while I still have a warranty. Don’t think it is a big deal. I think I am just hyper-critical.

[@RWM1955]

You need to use the correct rated oil or you will toast your trans

[@toddthrall3897]

I purchased what i feel is to be the base model, surely not the deluxe version. My wife and I just came back from a what was supposed to be a 4 hr trail ride, it turned into an 8 hour. Due to not fully understanding the machine capabilities or lack there of. 😕 Due the overheating. High RPMs for too lengthy of times on a 99° sunny dry dusty day. Ok we were trying to keep up with a RZR 1000-5 😜 Thanks for the video, i agree with you 💯 it also was informative 👍🏻

[@ChoresOnTheFarmChannel]

She ain’t no 1000 cc speed demon. For tight/ technical trails, the RZR wouldn’t have much of an advantage. If you get into anything with straightaways… you might be in trouble! I mainly just putz around the farm, and it is perfect for that!

[@Synic08]

My tip for the squeeks and rattles, anything that can get wet with water, will love a coat of WD…. Try it once… does it collect more dust…. Yea… yea it does…. But a garden hose ends up taking stuff off like a pressure washer…. And plastic on plastic doesnt squeek…. Little latches like the bed latches where they hold… no squeeks… it drives water out of the connectors… its like tire shine for your frame…

[@ChoresOnTheFarmChannel]

I will eventually get around to diagnosing squeaks and rattles. Might have to mount a go-pro on the frame, or get on a creeper and have my wife drag me around the driveway underneath of the UTV. The squeaks come from deep within the belly of the beast!

[@RWM1955]

I have a 2014 700-2 and it is still going strong, I use every day for farm work. No issues at all with any of the plastic body parts and I don’t baby it at all. The seat vinyl is junk and only lasted a couple of years before it crapped out, I got an awesome seat cover by Ruff Tuff. They look and fit great and you can storage options built into them on the front on the bench seat. It still squeaks like it did on day one, and I’m alway looking new ways to store and carry every day stuff that I need to have on board. It rains a lot here in Hawaii and the roof sheds the water right down on the dash and your legs so I made an eyebrow like the old trucks from the 50s used to have out of 1/4” ABS plastic, now the water sheds onto the hood. The only other way to solve that issue is to install a windshield but I didn’t want to do that for several reasons.

[@07kdjohnson1]

You better sell it now! 🤣 I have one and I agree with most of what you said. We went with the seizmik bed extender and love it. I also added the roll bar bags for overhead storage. Solved my storage needs.

[@ChoresOnTheFarmChannel]

I love it too much to sell it! Video on the top 10 "loves" of this SxS coming as soon as I can edit it! Appreciate the tips - I will have to look into everything.

[@kdtaylor3284]

I have had a 2017 pioneer deluxe, One of the first to come out . I have made a lot of modification to mine . Everything is custom made on mine. I understand your complaints . But if you can find all of these thing that are wrong and you said you had a lot of time to research it .Just why did you buy it ! ( custom Metal top , heater, light bar ,green rock lights skid plate, infrared light system , lithium battery , custom front and back bumper , back up light,front winch , back lift winch for hauling game, led mirrors, mud flars , lift kit , 27 inch tire, and a custom paint job with Monsta line 2 part magnetic epoxy paint ) what im getting at . Its a toy for big boy to play and fix up and i promise you it is tough as it comes . I have had mine in Alaska for 2 years and it preform excellent , I live in Southeast Oklahoma. Look dont complain about it. Start working and add what you want on it . Take a good machine and make it a great machine. Have fun while your doing the build.

[@ChoresOnTheFarmChannel]

I love the machine and have multiple videos on why it is the perfect machine (for me). That being said, if you can only find positives in something… you either aren’t being honest or aren’t thinking critically.

[@kenbrake2828]

Why not buckle the seatbelt behind your back?

[@garybozeman]

I have a 2019 Pioneer 700-4 bought new. Live on a farm connected to family. We have several Kubota, Polaris and Can-Am SxS. I agree 100% with every point you made in both videos. I would also like more availability of after market options, like a good enclosure for the winter. All things considered, the Honda is by far my preferred SxS for fun and utility. (FYI…there is a cheap solution on Amazon to override the seat belt engine limiter) I like the versatility of the rear jump seats, the transmission, and comfort of the cab. The ride is great and plenty of power to climb hills and cross creeks.

[@ogie4893]

None of these complaints outweigh having gears and a hard drive line. Did you buy it sight unseen?

[@blbarkerbarker360]

Can you manually shift it from 2nd to 3rd at lower rpm

[@ChoresOnTheFarmChannel]

Absolutely. One of the only reasons to use the paddle shifters in my opinion.

[@jonathankenton7182]

Get a 1000-5 forest or trail edition. I originally wanted a 700-4 but I am dang thankful I opted for the big dog. Yeah, it was expensive but I’m a 52 year old mechanic and expect this machine to out live me.

[@ChoresOnTheFarmChannel]

I have another video talking about capabilities and speed. There are times I wish I had more, but this thing does 95% of what I want it to. More importantly, I have a four year old and two year old that will eventually start driving this. More comfortable with the capabilities of the 700 than turning them loose on a Liter machine. If I want to go fast I'll buy a Honda dirtbike next!

[@ray6659]

What if Honda paid you a little money? Thanks for doing this. Looking at 700 deluxe, 2 seater.

[@danielspencer5023]

The 700 is on my shortlist to buy. I agree, Sounds like it needs a 4th gear. Too bad it doesn't have the 6-speed 1000 transmission! So if I want to let's say run 30 mph on the flat. What rpms is the engine doing? And how well does it hold back coming off of a steep hill?

[@ChoresOnTheFarmChannel]

Not sure on specific RPM, but it is not struggling at all running 25-35 mph on flat ground. Once you get over 35, you know it is working. This thing is a goat up and down hills. I should probably do a separate video on how well it does, but sometimes video doesn't do the angles justice. You aren't going to free-spool like a belt driven machine, and you can control the gear with paddle shifters if you get the deluxe or above. I haven't been on anything where I need to manually control it.

[@danielspencer5023]

THANKS, WILL LOOK FORWARD TO SEEING IT.

[@aussiefarmer6012]

100 percent agree with all your comments. Just looking to get our first side by side. Way over priced, poor quality and not worth it. Thanks for the vid.

[@gillchad]

So given the things you hate is this buyer remorse? Is there a better option for the price point?

[@ChoresOnTheFarmChannel]

Nope! Check out the things I love video! If an owner is honest with themselves, they should be able to find flaws with almost anything they own, no matter how CLOSE to perfect it is. I would buy the Honda again tomorrow. I will be doing additional reviews as I get more engine hours. If you have specific questions or concerns let me know!

[@gillchad]

Appreciate it. @@ChoresOnTheFarmChannel

[@randykestner3870]

I haven't seen any utv that doesn't have squeaks and rattles lack of storage space and caps and I've never had a problem with my door handles

[@LesterBrown-j6m]

Why did you buy it?

[@obummamumma978]

Bruh, next time buy a Pullaris or and ChiCom brand... You won't have any problems... Because IT WILL ALWAYS BE BROKEN DOWN AND NEVER RUN. 😁😁😁😁😁😁 BUCOLIC RUBE 🙄

[@bobplace1294]

HAY BOB THE BUILDER HERE FROM SMITHS FALLS ONTARIO CANADA , I LIKED YOUR INPUT I HAVE THE 2021 520 PIONEER AND IT SCREAMS TOO NEEDS ANOTHER GEAR TOP SPEED 62 KM COULD REACH 90 TO 100 IF HAD ONE MORE GEAR . THANKS BOB

[@1973congo]

You are dead on with your review. We love our 700-4 Deluxe but everything you said is true. You did not mention the excessive heat coming up through the seat. I wonder if your newer model addressed that issue. Room for improvement to be sure but I would definitely buy it again vs the competitor's models.

[@ChoresOnTheFarmChannel]

The heat will be addressed in a follow up video. I think the redesign MAY have mitigated it, but it is by no means gone. Back of the calves/knees is where I feel it the most. Maybe I will appreciate the “free heater” as the temperatures start to drop!

[@petewilson8727]

Thank you for the video I was looking at a second machine and I was actually looking at the Honda pioneer you help me make my mind up not to buy one I think I'm going to use my money and buy another Can-Am defender the defender has been a phenomenal machine the first one that I originally have now I have almost 19,000 miles on it so I think I'm going to get another one thank you again for the video

[@franksmith1687]

My friend, You Are ABSOLUTELY Spot On!!! And in order too! Lol I have the 2023 deluxe 2 seat, so a couple of the of your issues didn't apply But, "OMG" everything else.... especially the 4th gear, Damn! Yep! It cracked me up... If I made this same video, It would have been Exactly the same "just a 2 seat version". And yes. "Arizona kid" those videos are what I watched as well before my perchance. And on a final note... My 2023 Honda pioneer 700 deluxe with doors, a windshield, a roof, winch, and snow blade was ... ready? $19,500... Ohhh, but they did deliver it. 😂

[@ChoresOnTheFarmChannel]

Good to know that I’m not suffering alone! LOL. Appreciate your insight, and appreciate you taking the time to comment.

[@johncantone40]

I have been considering your exact machine. Ty

[@ChoresOnTheFarmChannel]

If you get a Red or Krypton Green I’ll trade you! LOL. Let me know if you have any specific questions or concerns.

[@LiveFreeOrRIP]

I have a 700-4 and everything you are saying is Correct. I have a gripe and im not sure if its just my machine or what. Turning at slow speeds it acts like its in 4x4 and the rear tires kinda fight to turn like the front end of a pickup when you are in 4x4 when hard over. Seams like its fighting to turn?? Like the rear diff is always locked or something.?? I AGREE 100% It revs WAY WAY to high. up here in NH we can ride on the streets in some towns and this bike is LOUD and Revs way way to high at 35 40mph. There is PLENTY of bag for a 4th gear that would be like an Over drive gear. And then the machine would hit 50 55 no issue. I dont care about the speed as much as the RPM and LOUD rev...

[@BigRedsHomestead]

I want the Honda over Polaris specifically for pushing snow, the Honda Pioneer is clutch driven vs the Polaris being belt driven

[@ChoresOnTheFarmChannel]

That is one of two main reasons I went Honda. Short chassis with 4 seats, and clutch driven transmission.

[@jimfields9491]

I like mine but wish I had gotten the 1000. Mine won’t hardly climb up some of the roads on my property because of not having a low range. Literally every other machine I’ve had and friends go up that long incline like nothing.

[@ChoresOnTheFarmChannel]

Do you have the deluxe with paddle shifters? I have had no issues grunting up some pretty steep stuff in first gear. I have actually been meaning to make a video on hill performance. So far I have been really impressed.

[@bigseff23]

I bought a 700-4, about 7 years ago. Got rid of it for a Teryx4. The pioneer is a steaming pile of garbage compared to the Kawasaki. Kawasaki fit and finish is so much better. Plus having a low range and the bed is a huge plus.

[@ChoresOnTheFarmChannel]

I’d like to test a Teryx4. I like the look, the shorter (than similar class) wheelbase. I have had decent luck with Kawasaki overall. My first ATV was a Prairie360, and I have a 23 horse Kawasaki in my Gravely Zero-turn. A couple issues: 1. CVT transmission 2. Price. The Rex is sitting in between mid-sized machines and liter machines. I think base model is 4k higher than the 700-4 deluxe. 3. Capacity of the “bed” is 1/4 of what mine is. 4. Lower towing capacity. Would I turn my nose up if someone gave me one? No. I’d be ecstatic. Is it the best choice for me at a 30% premium? Also no.

[@bigseff23]

@@ChoresOnTheFarmChannel the CVT isn't as bad as you think. People are routinely getting 2k miles or more out of a CVT belt on a Teryx. It's a completely different system than Can-Am and Polaris. The price is higher. But you're also getting Fox shocks all the way around, a roof and LED lights. And Kawasaki routinely has $1500 to $2,000 factory rebates on them. Yeah the bed won't hold near as much but if you have 4 people in your pioneer you have zero bed space lol at least I got room for my cooler and a toolbox with 4 people.

[@ChoresOnTheFarmChannel]

@@bigseff23 I can't argue with you there! Cooler takes priority. One of the kids has to sit on the wife's lap. I need space for beer! I do like the fact that I can 50/50 fold the seats in the pioneer and have "half" a bed. Also like hat the e full bed is there if I need to do "truck stuff". How many subscribers do you think I need to hit before Kaw takes notice and sends me out a Teryx to demo??

[@SteveYoungSr]

I am also fairly dissapointed in my 700 4 that I bought a year ago. I share all the issues he went into, however, I would put the lack of TURF MODE up at the very top --that tears up my yard, embarrassingly, my neighbors yard. . . yes, the off brands are now much mor attractive to me because of much lower costs, and the better functionality and fit and finish.

[@chrisseidel8999]

But who else makes a vehicle that can either be a 4 seater or a 2 seater with a tilting bed and is clutch driven as opposed to a belt? Anybody?

[@ChoresOnTheFarmChannel]

That is why I own it! I love it overall. I also think you should be able to critically asses areas of opportunity; regardless of how much you love it.

[@randykestner3870]

I forgot to add. You can't beat the price.

[@bwdw929]

They make a seatbelt bypass. I put one on my 1000-5 and it’s great.

[@Bert-v8k]

I have the same unit but bought used had every option. I agree with all your things you don’t like.

[@generalcaeser9176]

I have to be the bad guy here as I see people saying they wouldn't buy it now because of the info in this video. Look It's a HONDA, the guts are good, it's a 4 seater and it's ONLY 13,999 for the Pioneer 700-4. Most other UTV's similar to this that are 4 seaters, start at $21,000 plus and they're huge, long and have clearance issues you won't have in the shorter wheel based Honda Pioneer! Also, as cheap as it is, when you check out the Polaris and others, they have cheap parts as well. What I know about these Honda's is that no other current UTV manufacturer can beat Honda's motor and (beltless) transmission. No one! This Honda should last 4 times longer than the competition before it needs major repairs. My feeling is, with all the money I saved on the Honda, I can go to Amazon and buy cup holders for dirt cheap, buy storage options dirt cheap and with a little ingenuity, all these complaints can be gone and I'm left with the best most reliable 4 seater UTV I can get for less money. Just my opinion but I've owned a Polaris, Can Am and a Yamaha and although the Yamaha comes close in reliability, I'll never own a Polaris or a Can Am again because they'll break down and leave you stranded out in the woods. It's a HONDA people! A Honda! 😁 Update: Availability is getting better I noticed and there's a good amount of inventory as of the posting of this comment. The base model now comes with electric power steering for the 2025 model as well, so there's all 10 problems solved and you saved money big time. 😁

[@justanotherexample]

You lost 100% credibility at, "I hate the Diff Locker". You hate the locked rear diff & the 4 wheel diff lock? Then, you said "it's a Golf Cart". Cup holders, storage, squeaks, the seat belt (keep it buckled, behind you) empty spaces (for an extra battery), OMG! You're worse than my wife! My 2018 700-4 Dxl is a straight up beast. It is a Farm & Ranch machine. I have had 4 adults in it, traversing ground NO other 4 seater can touch! It's not a stretch limo like others! The back/dump/bed/seats are amazing. But, ppl with Polaris ECT say "It's slow" I say "I don't care how fast it runs. Only how long". That shuts them up immediately.

[@ChoresOnTheFarmChannel]

You must've missed the multiple videos where I say it is an awesome machine, perfect for my application, and I love it. If you can't think critically and find flaws with something you own... you are a fanboy. If you re honest with yourself, I'd bet you can find at least one thing you'd change about the machine, regardless of how much you love it.

[@billjensen6216]

I bet they didn't even read the header on the video. And haven't seen the others videos you made about what you like about it. I love mine other than the same complaints. And your not wrong on those complaints every KZbin video on them complaints are the same. I'm guessing they got but hurt when they realized they have the same problem the rest of us have. My gulf cart at least had better cup holders. About the same amount of storage too

[@Synic08]

I mean… i bought i chinese hisun 750, because i have all the same gripes as you, about EVERY machine… the gripes go away as the price goes up… honestly, i think i feel like i got a great value.. ive rode a few mules, rangers, a rhino, a gator, new and old… all are pretty rough… they all feel like your riding in a plastic tote… sound like it too…. I have a 95 tercel… put that motor in a UTV, it will be the best one on the market… that whole car was like 9k new… where is this money going…? Maybe we need a unibody utv…?

[@ChoresOnTheFarmChannel]

I don't hate your analysis! The big reason I went Honda was: 1. Engine - I have had Honda commercial engines on several pieces of equipment - and they just go. And go. And go. I plan on keeping this thing a long time; reliability was important. 2. Transmission. I like the fact that it has real gears - everything else, including the Hisun is CVT/Belt driven. (Unless you get into the HydroStatics, which are slower. 3. The short chassis. The Hisun doesn't look as atrocious as others, but I really like my short wheelbase I agree! When Toyota rolls out their first UTV... SIGN ME UP!!

[@USA-GreedyMenOfNoIntegrity]

I’ll tell you where the money is going. Greedy corrupt suit pockets.

[@sucapizda]

Seat bypass kit. Its like 10 bucks and takes 5 minutes to install.

[@jericox1813]

I agree with you 100%

[@redblue40rc33]

10 things i love abt our 1000 6, its a Honda, it aint kawasaki, it aint suzuki, it aint john deere, it aint Polaris, it aint a Harley, it aint a Kubota, it holds 6 ppl, its red, and its mine😅😅😅😅..perfect 10...im good

[@darrellbegg4323]

you pay good money for a Honda you speak your mind right on for you I know this after your video I will not be buying a Honda

[@wyndy1879]

Sounds like this dude just needs to go get a Yukon

[@amandasours8556]

This has to be the worst review I’ve ever seen. Most of the complaints are stupid and whiny.

[@walter2670]

have you heard the squeaks and rattles in these machines. this guy was spot on

[@jerrybane4793]

😢

[@ChoresOnTheFarmChannel]

No tears needed! Plenty of good to counteract the bad!

[@jamierullestad7500]

Good lord, the whining......please make it stop.....

[@johnr5545]

God bless

[@NathanMiller-hd9ff]

Petty nonsense I gave a thumbs down go to Chucky cheese and ride their rides if you don't want to get dirty. What guy would complain about getting dirty while riding out in the woods or on the farm. Sounds like he purchased too small of a machine 😢