Can't agree, atleast not the 2004 model, that the Rhino is tops in all those catagories in a side by side. They are certainly tops in sporty off road riding, but lag behind in a couple of catagories compared to Polaris Ranger and Kawasaki Mules. Comfort being one with their seat set up. Not for pleasure riding only, but shorter riders seem to find them not comfy when entering and exiting alot, & their 1st year reliability rating is not tops by any means. Most vehicles experience problems their first year, but the list of problems, some minor but irritable nevertheless, are ridiculous with the Rhino.
The Rhino at this time, comes no where near the reliability record of the Kawasaki, or recent Polaris Rangers. The Kawasaki has been out since 1988 and although it isn't fast like the Rhino, it is still the benchmark of side by sides.
It has a ways to go in my opinion, but it's record of sales and work ability is more than impressive. I say that from owning one of the small ones for the last 4 1/2 years and researching the history of the full sized models for the past several years. The problems come in when folks try to make it into something it wasn't designed for.
My opinions of the Rhino comes from 04 Rhino owners on another strictly side by side vehicles site that I frequent. Out of the couple hundred Rhino owners, although most say they love them, their lists of problems is enough to keep me from buying one until they earn a better track record.
My hunting partner owns a 2004 model Rhino and I am impressed with its off road ability, but not impressed with the cheapo ness of the bed, tailgate and lack of real work ability.
Then again, the Rhino was not made for or marketed as a stricly utility veicle as the Mule is/was. It is a good sport vehicle with some utility value.
The Mule is a great utility vehicle with some sport value.
I think the Ranger, especially 2005 model is a great vehicle in both sport and utility, but not many of us can or will pony up the dough for these vehicles which easily reach $10,000 in costs.
Good, tough and reliable 4WD atv would be Yamaha Big Bear, or Kodiak, Kawasaki Prairie 360cc or if $ is there 650cc,
Artic Cat 250cc 4X4 or 400cc 4X4.
Good luck.