2016 Honda Pioneer 700-4 Owner Review

The Honda Pioneer isn't the most powerful side by side out there. It doesn't have a flashy paint job or graphics either. It is, however, a quality built machine with some real innovation going on. The convertible bed is fantastic and Honda quality is legendary. Before you write Honda off, check out the Pioneer. It's not without it's faults but it's a good vehicle for the family.

[@Adam_Newman]

I have the pioneer 500 with lift & tires & love it ! great machines as we expect from honda ! nice review

[@scalfaroc]

Excellent honest review! Most guys will only talk about their favorite features, maybe to justify their purchase. Like you, I'm not partial to any brand in my search of a side by side and Honda would be my first choice (since I own a Honda automobile!). I've seen other videos of the Pioneer and heard the noises you're talking about. I really like the Honda, But, I'm going to continue researching! Thanks!

[@doctoroctos]

Great review. Thanks for taking the time to provide comments.

[@williamtarr9758]

just bought one 2016 in blue I love it the dump box and fold away seats are awesome

[@classicjag76]

Thanks for an actual review. All the other "reviews" I've watched are just paid advertisements for Honda.

[@triggerhappyreviews]

Thanks for watching. I agree about the other reviews. They didn't help at all when I was buying.

[@mustangguy6242]

Thanks for the review. Good honest opinions without background music. Well done! For me, it's between this and the 1000-5. I'm gonna be looking for videos on it next.

[@triggerhappyreviews]

After driving both machines regularly, here's my advice. Do you need extra power and speed? Do you use this more for work or play? If the answer is play and that you want to go fast, get the 1000. If you are doing work around your property and want to ride trails at a slower pace, the 700 will be fine.

[@distinctiveautomobiles1483]

I went down to the dealership this afternoon. I drove both the 700 and the 1000. One thing I noticed about the 1000 was that the engine seems to make power with a lot less effort. The 700 had a big cam and the engine vibrated the whole machine when you got up into the power band when getting going or on acceleration. Going up hills would be noisier especially with a windshield bouncing the sound back at you. The 1000 is a lot wider and therefore a lot more sure footed on inclines. Where I live, hills are a big thing. Coming off an old Rhino 660 which is narrow and high, I can especially relate. My Rhino has not only rolled over, it has flipped, tumbled, and gone over cliffs. :) The price difference is pretty big, but I think if I add in the WAF (wife acceptance factor), plus my hate for engine cam noise on a side by side, I am going to choose the 1000. I live on 50 acres and have a 200 acre wooded property with trails 20 minutes from here. My use will be mixed.

[@msnow3850]

Good review. I like the fact he also shows the short comings.

[@triggerhappyreviews]

Thanks for watching. It's a nice machine but does have some issues.

[@noblesteed880]

Really enjoyed this review, it’s nice to finally see an honest review 👍

[@triggerhappyreviews]

I appreciate that. Sadly, most reviews are bought and paid for by the manufacturer. The same goes for guns, fishing gear, camping gear, and pretty much anything else you'll find on youtube these days.

[@jpal5221]

Good job with your research - very informative video.

[@jasoncavallaro3803]

Hi there I have a Honda 700-4 also … the deluxe version of your machine has paddle shifters, power steering and nice wheels. The space upfront is for the heater and auxiliary wiring for lights heat and wiper the bed seats are great for a family ride but I use mine for work around the house … towing my boat, hauling firewood, and plowing snow I’ve had well over 1000 lbs in the bed . The doors are noisy but if you bend the door latch bumper bracket out the doors don’t rattle anymore. Also where we ride in Maine the max width is 60 inches and the 1000 is too wide to be legal ! If you’re looking for a speed machine it is not but this machine even a year later is continuing to impress me

[@Standupforyourself9]

I got a new 2020 yesterday with power steering wonderful

[@tedtheodorelogan5993]

My 2016 700 with 2000 miles on it just blew rings, and trans is slipping. Did the reg services, but was not told the pre-oiled air filter needs additional oil! Dealer will not warranty my unit because he “found” dirt in the intake. I purchased the warranty thru 2021,it’s 2019 now, most money I’ve ever spent and I paid in full. I love the rig but the air box can eat a huge bag of dix! Saving up for the rebuild now.

[@frankwice4864]

I have the very same Honda on a portage in northern Ontario and I have to agree with everything that you have said. The one other thing is if it’s possible I would like to put somewhat bigger tyres on it I find that better ground clearance is a nice addition

[@jeremyheitzig599]

I think this is the one I'm going to get, maybe the deluxe though, I want I in silver with power steering and the paddle shifter. Seems like it would be perfect for a family of 4. Can't justify spending another $3000-$3500 to get a 1000 right now. If I need the power or to haul a load we have a 2 seat 835M Gator for the farm. It's top end is about 45mph also. Plenty fast around here. Might have to get a bed extender for a cooler though.

[@jjoutdoorsvideomagazine9240]

I own a Honda 700-4 and love it. I owned a Polaris Ranger and owned it for 3 years and put $3,100.00 in repairs in it. Polaris is a junk factory. I've owned my Honda for 6 years, changed the oil and put 1 set of brakes on it. It has 5,000 miles on it and no repairs other than regular up keep. Great machine I love mine and it is used in outdoor video production so it don't get babied.

[@quaddingsous]

Very good review. Gave us a lot of info to chew on. The one thing I'm most impressed with is the price. Most quad's with a 500+ engine cost more than that! Thanx

[@triggerhappyreviews]

I like it so far. I've got about 18 hours on it. It's built like a typical Honda which is good. Thanks for watching.

[@blairwallace746]

The transmission shifts at 13-18-23/24 MPH. First time changing oil @ 20 hours, easy if you have any mechanical experience.

[@sideskraft]

You mentioned the short wheelbase as being more stable than a long wheelbase -- actually the opposite is true. The main advantage of the short wheelbase is turning radius and driving slowly in very rough stuff.

[@dgriderjw]

I thought your observation about sound in this machine was great. You mentioned high altitude complaints in this vid, so i think you have probably seen some of my videos about the 1 glaring fault it has. The good news is that it now has just over 8000 miles, with only a $3 dollar seal replacement a few hundred miles ago as the only "problem" thus far. Even the original brake pads look new. These are tough machines.

[@triggerhappyreviews]

The quality of the machine is apparent for sure. Fortunately I don't have the altitude issues like you do but it still can feel somewhat sluggish on steep hills. My main complain is the noise. The grinding in the rear differential is very annoying.

[@dgriderjw]

The rear diff IS very annoying. Try changing to the 75-140 oil. Helps a little bit. I don't know if its having heard it or 8000 miles, or if it has actually gotten quieter, but it does seem better now than when new.

[@jayminer9416]

I have a Wolverine 700 now, wishing I got a 4 seater at this point as the family is all of a sudden interested lol. The storage and bed layout has me leaning towards a Teryx 4. More torque, more room, better interior layout. Reliability seems to be up to snuff (probably not Honda reliable). I'll be sacrificing some utility a'la the bed, but for the riding I do it will suit me well. I can fit a cooler and some gear in the bed with 4 people in the cab as well. Not knocking the Pioneer at all, it just seems they could have done a better job thinking it out.

[@triggerhappyreviews]

I don't disagree. It could use more torque and more leg room in the back. I think for a family vehicle, it works. That being said, the Teryx 4 would probably have better suited me for what we ended up using it for because I never use the bed to haul anything.

[@jshapiro34]

that 703 cc wolv and these 4 seater 700 680cc hondas whats yalls top speed ?

[@ProTechEpoxyFloors]

Jay Miner It’s nice to have choices. I was set on a Wolverine too. I love the Yamaha brand. But after seeing the Treyx, it changed my mind. Which lead me to checking out the Honda. Honda is almost “quirky” about the way they approach these. I’m thinking I would want a CVT.

[@dennyll43]

Storage can be added by lowering the tailgate and buying the neat extender accessory.

[@triggerhappyreviews]

Yeah it's a nice option but pretty pricey. It's certainly worth saving. Up for. I actually found a toolbox that fits in the front pretty nicely. Still not enough space though.

[@11cecil]

I've been cross-shopping this with the Teryx4 and wolverine x4 (not the Pioneer 1000-5 because it's just too wide for where we ride). The small size, both width and wheelbase, are a big deal for us. My biggest concern is back seat comfort for adults on longer rides. What are your thoughts on six-footers being in there for a couple hours? Thanks

[@Ranger42]

Excellent review. Ready to buy a Honda SxS but the fact that this model doesn't have a low gear kinda worries me being that most of the off road driving we do is steep , rocky terrain.

[@triggerhappyreviews]

From what I've been told elevation plays big in the low gear issue. I've had it in some rocky and steep terrain and have had no issue. However I live in Ohio where elevation isn't a factor.

[@TheXJthatCould]

, I've takin it up some steep shit, and its a goat! Lockers all around didn't slip at all....you won't regret buying it

[@triggerhappyreviews]

And you’re wrong. Wow.

[@gsatman7604]

Thanks for the review..I'm looking at a 2017 and I appreciate your input..

[@triggerhappyreviews]

Gsatman happy to help. Let me know if you have any questions. I've got about 800 miles on it now.

[@user-gt9nw2tn6d]

My dream car

[@AaronCMH]

Hey man nice review. Now that you've had it a while have you had any power "problems"? Like bogging going up a hill or losing speed? Just curious as I like the size and seat setup…I'm in Ohio too but thinking I'll be taking it to Hatfield some time. Thanks.

[@triggerhappyreviews]

I've had it on WV trails three times now. So far I'm still happy. No power loss and no issues otherwise. That being said, I don't ride the black trails so I haven't had it in places that other riders might go.

[@AaronCMH]

Cool thanks man.

[@derickstevens6577]

I call bullshit I live in WV I rate these junk with the mules I've never seen it run more then 40 down hill before the governor kicks in and extreme power loss going up hill

[@dannymeredith3496]

Does the ignition switches go bad very often on 2016 pioneer?

[@samandriana]

FAMILY vehicle

[@redghost3170]

Just bought one.

[@jeffclaus4422]

Nice review. I have the same ride, I like it a lot. I agree with a lot of your comments but the front suspension is wayyyyyyy to soft. I hope to get the 1000 soon.

[@triggerhappyreviews]

My dealer who is also a good friend of mine said people are putting fox shocks on and making a huge difference

[@jshapiro34]

multiple questions the 700 is really like 683cc whats top speed ? can you add the bed extender and drop tail gate while those seats are up to grab extra space to run like a soft pack cooler ect ......also what size hitch cause i have seen ppl weld there own lifted trunk to hold a cooler at dirt tracks and soft trails

[@triggerhappyreviews]

Top speed is 45. 2” receiver. You can buy a bed extender for extra room.

[@ChaskeJohnson]

The space under the hood is for a heater

[@sucapizda]

For storage, just get a Tully roof rack box. Hard shell, air dinamick and water proof. Look cool to.

[@ExpediT100n]

Any latest updates on your long term impressions? I am considering one of these, but may go newer as I need room for 5.

[@triggerhappyreviews]

I sold it. It just didn’t preform well enough for what I needed.

[@derrickkimsey1921]

Good review but you praise the length of the vehicle at the the same time complain about storage. Hard to have both

[@triggerhappyreviews]

Tons of wasted space. Where I showed up front is wasted. I put a toolbox in there for more space. No rear cup holders when the doors could easily have them. Wasted space under the bed where the seats fold down. If they would make that water tight it could be storage also.

[@canamdennis6829]

They are kind of like something that is 10 to 15 years old it seems wow they could really use some up grades

[@triggerhappyreviews]

That’s why I own a commander now.

[@weshendrick7458]

Have y'all seen the can am defender HD8. And how would you compare to Honda pioneer or Polaris ranger. How would you rank the 3.

[@triggerhappyreviews]

I've seen it. It's just entirely too big in the multi row configuration. Same with the ranger. IT's purely a work vehicle which is not what I was looking for. Can-Am quality speaks for itself though.

[@triggerhappyreviews]

Going to comment on everything I see.

[@Batmanstang]

I am torn between a 700-4 and 1000-5. I don't think I need the power from the 1000, but the fact that it has a turf mode is keeping it on the table. That and the 3 full seats on the bench. How does your 700 handle the grass?

[@triggerhappyreviews]

I never noticed it tearing up my grass. Then again, I didn’t run it in my yard that often.

[@Batmanstang]

Thanks

[@triggerhappyreviews]

Are you buying for work or play?

[@Batmanstang]

Both. The use it will get is mostly around my house on the grass which is my main concern. I want to use the dump for hauling wood, mulch, garden, etc..

[@triggerhappyreviews]

For work I think it excels. Never a lack of power and the geared transmission was much better than any machine with a belt drive. For trail riding I found it somewhat lacking. I think you’d be fine with the 700 as long as your grass isn’t delicate. My yard is about 6 acres but the grass isn’t anything special.

[@IMPORTantPerformance]

Great review. I'm looking to buy a pioneer and I think you swayed my opinion

[@triggerhappyreviews]

Just curious, for it against?

[@chadvalliere8697]

I have a fix for your doors rattling. Unscrew and remove the rubber stopper on the striker/latch. Stick a “L” shaped Allen key in the hole. Slightly bend it out a little at a time and reinstall the the rubber bumper until the door shuts tight and doesn’t rattle. I can send you a pic of what I’m talking about if I can get your email.

[@triggerhappyreviews]

I appreciate the suggestion. Unfortunately, I no longer have this buggy. I traded it about a month ago for a Can-AM.

[@johnlewis7332]

May I please ask for the pic? [e-mail] ? Thank you

[@tristanwamsley7271]

We have a Honda Pioneer 500 and the dealership said that the crunching noise in the back is the brakes. What do they do for the services on it?

[@triggerhappyreviews]

I took mine in to the dealer last month for service and told them of the grinding noise. They came back and said they changed the diff fluid but didn't find anything wrong. The noise is still there but as the miles have went on, it's gotten better.

[@tristanwamsley7271]

Have you liked you Pioneer 700-4? We are thinking about buying the Pioneer 700-4 Deluxe, would you suggest getting one?

[@triggerhappyreviews]

Ray wamsley I do like it. There are some things I would change but overall I'm happy. For the money, and being a 4 passenger vehicle, I don't think you can beat it. If other manufacturers approached this price range I might consider something else but the quality and price make it too hard to pass up.

[@tristanwamsley7271]

Ok thanks.

[@Glockdad]

hondas the best.

[@6mallards]

Thanks for the review, does it have enough power with 4 people?

[@triggerhappyreviews]

Depends. If you have kids in the back, it’s fine. Adults, I’d say it would struggle.

[@6mallards]

That's what I was afraid of thanks

[@triggerhappyreviews]

Look at the new Yamaha x4. More power and more leg room for adults. I traded my Honda for a can am 2 seater. Didn’t need the passenger room anymore.

[@6mallards]

Yeah but I'm a Honda guy, so probably just get the 1000

[@triggerhappyreviews]

Can’t go wrong there. The can am is not the machine the Honda was. But it does have more power and way more comfortable seats. The 1000 is the way to go for multi passenger use if you can get past the lousy back seats.

[@mikenilles75]

where did you get that roof from?

[@triggerhappyreviews]

It’s a Honda branded roof. Came from my dealer.

[@moparlover1968rr]

Thanks for the info! 45 mph is fine, one video, he couldn't get above 36mph

[@triggerhappyreviews]

I just had it out today with the kids in the back. We got it to 45 on a hard surface without an issue.

[@willboyd4607]

Want storage? Why not leave the rear seats down.

[@SemiFeralJill]

Bought one in 2018. The heat coming from under the seat is unbelievable. A long ride on a warm day is not fun, on a hot day is unbearable.

[@triggerhappyreviews]

Consider buying some heat insulation and putting it under the seat and on the plastic. I did this to my can am and it helped a lot.

[@SemiFeralJill]

@@triggerhappyreviews so far i have put a sun shield under the seat, as much thick adhesive heat shielding in as many places as I could, and a fan under each seat. Some adhesive heat shielding ended up melting off. I also sit on two deck chair cushions, and I still fry. Thank you for the ideas, I do welcome any help.

[@justinsgr8]

Never owned a Honda🙈 Honda is nothing but the best.... That's all👈🏽

[@bobbycoffman8337]

would this be a good "farm choice"?. kinda steep fields.

[@triggerhappyreviews]

For sure. It’s built like a tank and I have many family members that use the pioneer on their farm. I have a commander now and while I do like it better, it’s not built nearly as tough.

[@bobbycoffman8337]

ok thanks!

[@bobbycoffman8337]

i looked at commander online, would the power of the commander be better for farm use? or would you recommend pioneer?

[@triggerhappyreviews]

If you don’t plan on pleasure riding I’d get the pioneer. Easier to enter and exit and built to work.

[@XdddbossGamer]

The bench seat holds 3

[@triggerhappyreviews]

Xddd boss Gamer 7576 no it doesn't. That's the 1000. There are only 2 belts.

[@austinr09]

Trigger Happy Guns you can put somebody there without a seatbelt bro...

[@t.s.tractorworkstrickland5828]

I like the location of the instrument cluster it's perfect You're just too tall

[@triggerhappyreviews]

I’m 5’10”. I’ve never had anyone say I’m too tall before.

[@Fadic4]

So the rear diff is always locked???

[@triggerhappyreviews]

+Fadic 4 that is correct

[@bglrbigguyslittlerides6490]

Fox shocks are nice but extremely pricey.

[@scottf.3808]

Nice toy...

[@user-ym4qh2qw6z]

Dash cluster is much to be desired, and not much storage space.

[@moparlover1968rr]

I hear the top speed is disappointing

[@triggerhappyreviews]

45mph. For where I ride it's fine. If you ride open areas it's going to be an issue.

[@timmobley8387]

No crank up or start WTF

[@triggerhappyreviews]

There’s a million videos out there for that. I’m giving an honest opinion here. It wasn’t necessary.

[@jackgoldman1]

Must not be happy. Traded it in for a Can Am.

[@triggerhappyreviews]

You would be correct.

[@kidamere2408]

@@triggerhappyreviews good luck I despise my can

[@randylopas747]

I have a 2018 700-4. In my humble opinion, this is not one of Honda's better machines. It rattles. rides bad, is loud and is under powered. Only 100 miles on it,if you like the 700, make me a serious offer and its yours.

[@rileymcmahon1240]

Randy Lopas yeah we have a 2017 pioneer deluxe and I would say it’s okay. Mine rattled too, but it’s just the doors need tightened.

[@brendonbenton1337]

6k

[@nikstubbs4233]

I’ll give you 6500

[@64jazdude]

Sounds like you pretty much can’t stand the 700. Add power steering, a winch & a towel to cry in.

[@triggerhappyreviews]

Well I did sell it.

[@carltonbrock8729]

Tr

[@leigunthorp9557]

Honda Pioneer 700 doesn't have a real air filter. Be careful taking it off the road. Put some kind of aftermarket air filter system if you are going to drive it off the blacktop. Honda messed up on this one.

[@dgriderjw]

The 700 has a foam air filter just like many ATV's and SxS's. Not sure what you consider a "real" air filter...

[@dublelung1]

Yes it has a "real" filter. It's also not meant to be kept on blacktop and is designed to be taken off road. You may need a moped. :-)

[@dgriderjw]

@@dublelung1 guy made the same stupid comment on like 3 Pioneer vids. Guess someone used a foam filter to touch him inappropriately.

[@triggerhappyreviews]

Hahahaha