I've got a 2000 manual 4X4 500 cc Arctic Cat. I've posted about it here and maybe some other forums. I really work my wheeler hard. Pulling firewood, disc, cultivator, etc. I have had exactly zero maintenece issues or problems. It always starts and runs perfectly. It pulls like a Clydsdale, but isn't very fast overall as has been mentioned here. I really do think that it's difficult to buy a bad wheeler these days and everyone seems to love whatever brand they currently own. I can't dissagree with that. Here are some things that I love about my cat that I don't think other brands match. If they are not important to you, then maybe another brand has the features that you like. Anyway, I like the very sturdy racks. They are just beefier on a Cat than on most other brands I've looked at. I like the suspension on the Cat. It really is a smooth ride. I like the ground clearance a bunch and I think it is slightly better than the other brands. I like how I consistantly run the snot out the Cat and it just keeps going.
Arctic Cat has earned my loyalty and when it comes time to buy another wheeler, I'll look at Cats first.
That's one guys opinion.

Bill the Dog