The UTV market has exploded in the past couple decades, and along with that has come a number of lesser known manufacturers offering budget options while trying to carve out a piece of the pie.
One such manufacturer is Odes Powersports, and you may have seen one of their striking new UTV options in the Odes Desert Cross 1000 or the Odes Jungle Cross 1000.
Or maybe you’ve seen one of their older models in the Odes Dominator 800.
Either way, if you’re eyeing an Odes UTV or are simply curious, there are a number of things you need to know about Odes Powersports and their line of vehicles.
We’ll give you the lowdown on Odes UTVs in this guide, including detailing the following:
- Is Odes Powersports even still in business?
- Most common Odes UTV models
- How well they perform
- How well they’re built
- Common issues experienced with Odes UTVs
- Top positive and negative owner reviews
- Other recommended “budget” UTVs
Odes UTV Out Of Business
If you check out the Odes Powersports website, you’ll see that it still lists 2021 models as their most recent UTV offerings.
That’s because in 2020, Odes filed for bankruptcy and essentially went out of business.
They apparently worked a deal with Massimo at the time to continue offering their utility vehicles alongside the Massimo UTVs and Massimo ATVs.
But the latest word is that Odes has recently broken off the deal with Massimo and reorganized to start over fresh on their own.
When and if that happens is not fully known, but there are some signs of this coming to fruition with a small number of new UTV models available through select dealers under the Odes name.
For now, if you’re looking for a budget UTV, check out one from this list of best cheap UTV options for this year.
Common Odes UTV Models
Odes produced a number of different UTV models through 2021:
- Odes Dominator 800
- Odes Dominator 1000
- Odes Comrade
- Odes Ravager
- Odes Raider
- Odes X-F3
- Odes X-F6
The most popular of these by far was the Odes Dominator 800, which served as their main utility sport UTV.
Odes has most recently begun offering two newer UTV models in the Desertcross and Junglecross as they try to re-establish themselves in the industry, and you can read reviews of both via the links at the start of this article.
- Odes Desertcross (800 & 1000)
- Odes Junglecross (800 & 1000)
Odes UTV Performance & Build Quality
Odes UTVs are polarizing, with some owners very happy with their models and some very unhappy with theirs.
This is not necessarily specific to Odes though, as reading a review Hisun’s line of UTVs or Intimidator UTV reviews shows the same with these similar, lesser-known models.
One thing is for certain though – Odes UTVs definitely have some shortcomings when it comes to their overall performance and build quality.
But they do offer some strengths as well.
Engines
The engines in Odes UTVs are actually looked at by most as one of their strengths.
Though made in China, these engines seem to be clones of the Rotax engines that are some of the best in the industry and used in big-name UTV models like the Can Am Defender.
They’re not as high quality as Rotax, but Odes engines do seem to be both reliable and durable.
These engines offer good overall horsepower and low-end torque, giving Odes UTVs impressive towing and hauling capacities and making them good work-focused models.
They also do pretty well in most soft terrain like mud and can make it up most steep hills, but the heavy weights of Odes UTVs do slow them down a bit in these areas.
Drivetrains
Odes UTVs make use of a fully automatic CVT transmission, which seems to be another general strength of these models.
Most models offer selectable 4WD with locking differential for added traction.
Throttle response seems to be good without any delay in most models, offering good acceleration even up through the higher RPM ranges.
But Odes UTVs are notorious for burning up drive belts.
This happens most often when riding in Low gear through tough terrain for prolonged periods, and many times you’ll smell the belt burning as it’s happening.
It’s a best practice to have a spare belt in any UTV when riding, but it’s a necessity with Odes UTVs or you risk needing a tow home on any ride.
Suspensions
The suspension systems on these machines have mixed reviews among owners.
Some swear that the stock suspension system in the Odes Dominator 800 models offers one of the smoothest rides you’ll find, especially on dirt trails.
Others claim that the suspension set-ups on some models are far too stiff and don’t soak up chop in the trail well.
The ground clearance on these machines is solid though, at usually between 12 – 14 inches depending upon the model.
Tires & Brakes
These models come with a number of different stock tires, most of which do just fine for what these machines are intended for, which is mostly working tasks and some light trail riding.
They’re known to run out of traction on soft, steeper inclines though.
And the braking system is solid, wit hydraulic disc brakes on all four wheels of each model offering good stopping power, even for the heaviest ones.
Dimensions & Capacities
When looking at most Odes UTVs, you’ll notice their distinct build styles make them bulky and big when compared to other utility vehicles in their class.
You would think this would lend to them being durable, but that’s not actually the case.
One of the biggest drawbacks with these models is the tendency for some of the flimsy parts that hold them together to break or go bad.
They may look like tanks, but you can’t drive them like one.
And their bulky overall builds make them less agile than many other utility focused UTVs.
Electric power steering in most models does offset their heavier weights and bigger builds, so they’re not all that hard to handle and control.
Odes UTV Main Pros & Cons
Pros
- Odes UTVs come off-road ready and are street legal in some states thanks to a host of accessories they come standard with.
- Most models come standard with EPS, a front winch, side doors and mirrors, a plastic hard top roof, and electric assisted rear dump bed.
- They offer rugged, attractive build styles.
- They offer some of the best leg space and cab space in the UTV industry with added comfort for bigger/taller riders.
- Most models offer adjustable seats that slide forward and back.
- Prices are usually on the lower end.
Cons
- Undersized radiators tend to lead to engine overheating.
- Very hard on drive belts.
- Heat from the radiator and engine is known to vent into the cab area, making riding on hot days uncomfortable.
- The engines are loud and known to vibrate some at higher RPM ranges.
- Some parts are low quality and don’t stand up well to off-road riding.
- Odes is out of business, so don’t expect any help in the way of customer service.
- Spare parts are very hard to find for these models.
For more on these drawbacks and some ways to overcome them, check out this guide to common Odes UTV problems.
Most Helpful Positive Owner Reviews
Positive Review One
“I have a 2015 800 Dominator X4 and love it. It performs just as well as the other UTVs I ride with.
Maybe a little louder and more heat in the cab in the summer, but so far no problems.
I use it for guiding on the ice and goose and duck hunting trips. So far so good, and it starts right up in 30 below zero.” -Ross S., Odes Owners FB Group
Positive Review Two
“I’ve read a lot of negative about these machines but have had my 2018 Dominator X4 for almost 5 years and it’s been a great machine.
It’s been to 5 different mud events, 3 being Trucks Gone Wild, and has been driven hard.
I just now replaced the wheel bearings, rear axle shafts, and upgraded the belt after all this time.
It has been lots of fun and super reliable rig, and hangs with the other brands performance wise.” -Dillon C., Odes Owners FB Group
Most Helpful Negative Owner Reviews
Negative Review One
“I’ve owned an Odes UTV since 2015 when I bought it new. I really can’t recommend them.
They look nice and are priced low. But in the end service has been difficult and there are some things that just aren’t made right.
Once set up properly and certain things changed, it’s a good vehicle. Out of the box, never again. I wish I could be more positive about them.” -Stephen W., Odes Owners FB Group
Negative Review Two
“I’d say steer clear, I’ve had my 17′ dominator 800 X4 LT for over a year now and I’ve clutched it and had the ECM tuned.
For around the farm it’s ok, but you are constantly working on it or tinkering with small issues. Electrical is not the company’s strong suit by any means.
Spend the extra and buy a big brand is the way to go in my opinion.” -Collin P., Odes Owners FB Group
Conclusion – Is Buying An Odes UTV Worth It?
It’s hard to recommend an Odes UTV with the company’s financial troubles and all of the negatives about these UTV models.
There are a number of other budget UTV models that have come along in the last few years that seem to be of a higher quality and make for better value.
If you’re looking for a budget UTV, check out these guides before you go:
