Top three factors for me when I was shopping:

1.) Midsized 400-500cc that had a good power-to-weight ratio (This eliminated Kawi's, since they currently don't have an offering in this category).
2.) Excellent ergos for my size/type (This ruled out lots of Polaris' because they always sit wide to me).
3.) Price should be relative to the amount of features one quad has over another. If the KQ450 has MSRP of $6499 and comes with EFI, IRS, 4x4 locker, disc brakes front and rear, and informative LCD instrument display, why does the Honda Foreman 4x4 ES w/PS have an MSRP of $7049 when it doesn't have IRS, EFI, or a locker (but it does respectfully have power steering going for it)? Even the Foreman 4x4 ES without power steering is going for $200 more than the KQ450. Not knocking anyone's decision in buying Honda (I own a Honda motorcycle), it is obvious by the number of Honda ATVs that are sold year-to-year that they must be doing something right. I just never understood it myself.

Bottom line, it doesn't really matter what you ride as long as you are out on the trail. I'd rather own something than nothing.

I echo what ATVgirl86 said about the price. I almost bought the Honda but the price of the Arctic Cat got me. I need something that works better than or equal to a combo of a compact farm tractor, riding mower, and gokart with 4x4 etc. I want something that will tow, pull, push, drag, haul, etc. Just an around workhorse machine with high ground clearance with independent suspension. Gotta have big gas tank (over 6.5 gallons) as possible. It has to have a recoil from my experiences with outboard boat motors, lawnmowers, old ford 8N tractor, generators, etc. Rear dump bed/box. 2 inch hitch. Multi configuration rack system. I need a workhorse more than just a trail riding machine. I am not into "speed kills" stuff.

1. Recoil
   
2. EFI
   
3. one button for 2wd/4wd with/without lock diff
   
4. Good towing/carrying capacity
   
5. Independent suspension
   
6. torque & low gear
   

This message has been edited. Last edited by: SeaCat,

#1 I have to have a quad I can go hunting on. Definition-comfortable,seating ,suspension,good strong racks with rails around them ,powerful and good looking

1. 500cc min.
2. Easy to use reliable 4x4 (with lockers)
3. EFI (year round reliable on start up)
4. Something I can count on no matter if it's work or play time