If you’re considering buying a used Polaris Sportsman 335, you’ve come to the right place.
There aren’t many of them out in the wild these days since they saw such a short production run, but if you’ve come across one that’s caught your eye there are some good and bad qualities you’ll want to know about before pulling the trigger.
This guide will offer a detailed review of the Sportsman 335, including:
- Build quality
- Performance
- Specs and key features
- How they handle and perform
- How fast they can go
- Present-day value if buying or selling one
- This model’s main pros and cons
- What to look out for if buying one
About The Polaris Sportsman 335
The Sportsman 335 was a utility/recreational ATV produced by Polaris from 1999 to 2000.
After releasing the very first Sportsman model ever in 1996, Polaris realized there was also a need for a model that would appeal to riders who needed more than a youth ATV but weren’t quite ready for the power of a 500cc machine.
So along came the Sportsman 335, shortly after another classic model in the Polaris Magnum 425 and shortly before the vintage Polaris Magnum 330 came along.
Though it was phased out after two short years, this model truly helped pave the way for Polaris’ longest running and most popular line of ATVs.
Specs, Build Quality & Performance
Engine & Drivetrain
The Sportsman 335 is powered by a Polaris 334 cc single-cylinder engine, which is air cooled with a fan assisted oil cooler.
The engine offers decent power and the top reliability that Polaris has become known for over time.
Geared lower with more of a focus on work than play, this model does well when trail riding but will get left behind by the fastest ATVs on straightaways with its limited top end speed.
But it holds its own climbing hills and tackling tough, rutted terrain…just at a slower pace.
A 34 mm Mikuni carburetor determines the air to fuel mixture and helps the engine breathe.
Like many older carbureted models, the carburetor is known to cause some issues if not kept clean and jetted properly.
The Sportsman 335 offers selectable 2WD/4WD via a switch on the handlebar, with another perk being the intelligent On-Demand 4WD system that senses when the rear wheels lose traction and automatically engages both front wheels with full torque.
A fully automatic CVT transmission is mated to the engine, offering both High and Low gears along with Reverse. Gears are shifted using a lever on the side.
| Engine Type | 4 Stroke |
| Cylinder Arrangement | Single Cylinder |
| Displacement | 334 cc |
| Bore X Stroke | 78 x 70 mm |
| Compression Ratio | 9.2:1 |
| Engine Cooling | Air Cooled w/ Fan Assisted Oil Cooler |
| Fuel Delivery | 34mm Carburetor (Mikuni) |
| Fuel Capacity | 3.75 US Gallons |
| Drive System | 2WD w/ Selectable/On-Demand 4WD, Shaft Drive |
| Transmission Type | Fully Automatic CVT w/ High/Low/Reverse |
Suspension
In front, the Polaris Sportsman 335 has a Macpherson strut suspension that offers 6.25 inches of travel and a tight turning radius of 65 inches.
In the rear, this model features a long travel, progressive rate independent swingarm suspension that also offers a stabilizing anti-roll bar and two gas shocks.
This solid rear axle suspension set-up offers 9.5 inches of travel and provides excellent stability in any terrain while keeping both corners firmly planted on the ground.
The Sportsman 335 also offers an impressive 9.5 inches of ground clearance, giving you plenty of room to clear good-sized rocks, downed trees, and ruts in the trail.
The suspension combination is one of the strengths of this model, offering a smooth and comfortable ride in even the bumpiest of terrains.
| Wheelbase | 50.5 in |
| Ground Clearance | 9.5 in |
| Turning Radius | 65 in |
| Front Suspension | Macpherson Strut |
| Rear Suspension | Progressive Rate Fully Independent Swingarm |
| Travel | Front – 6.25 inches, Rear – 9.5 inches |
Tires & Brakes
The Sportsman 335 came equipped with 23 inch tires in front and 24 inch tires in the rear.
They were adequate enough, but many chose to upgrade to grippier tires for trail riding and taking advantage of this model’s ability to crawl rocks, logs, and other obstacles.
All-wheel hydraulic disc brakes offer excellent stopping power and are controlled by a single lever on the handlebar and rear foot brake.
| Front Tires | 23 x 7-10 |
| Rear Tires | 24 x 11-10 |
| Front Brake Type | Hydraulic Disc |
| Rear Brake Type | Hydraulic Disc |
Dimensions
This model closely resembles the Polaris Trail Boss models of the same era when it comes to size.
Though on the heavier side of the 300 class at 670 lbs, this model offers easy handling and control even for smaller riders.
And its compact enough to ride tight trails, with its turning radius making it able to snake through twisty trails as well.
And at 46 inches in width, it falls well within the 50-inch width restriction for riding most BLM trails.
| Length | 81 in |
| Width | 46 in |
| Height | 45.5 in |
| Dry Weight | 670 lbs |
Polaris Sportsman 335 Top Speed
The Sportsman 335 makes for a good trail riding and working quad thanks to good low end power.
And it’s not a burner in the speed department by any means, but it does have some juice for an older 300 class quad.
For units still in good running condition, the Polaris Sportsman 335 top speed is between 45 and 50 mph.
Polaris Sportsman 335 Value
Since there were only two models produced for the Sportsman 335, and both were over twenty years ago, used models can be had for pretty cheap these days.
The chart below reflects the original manufacturer suggested list price along with what the average retail price of the model is today based on figures from JDPower.
| Year, Make & Model | LIst Price | Average Retail Price |
| 1999 Polaris Sportsman 335 | $5,699 | $890 |
| 2000 Polaris Sportsman 335 | $5,999 | $1,080 |
Online marketplaces such as ATV Trader and Facebook Marketplace are in line with these prices, but these models can be tough to find these days.
Pros & Cons
Pros
- Good engine power for an older 300 class quad.
- Selectable and On-Demand 4WD enable excellent traction on trails.
- Towing capacity of 850 lbs is excellent for a machine this size and comes standard with a hitch.
- Offers full floorboards with integrated foot pegs, helping to minimize foot slippage and maximize grip.
- Front and rear cargo racks made of tough composite material are durable and come in handy when hauling gear, offering a combined 270 lbs cargo capacity.
- Comes standard with a speedometer, odometer, and tripmeter.
- Features a high-mounted headlight and two headlights on the grille for riding at dusk or night.
Cons
- Throttle response is slightly delayed with this model.
- The carburetor in these older models can cause hard starting, idling issues, and backfiring if not cleaned and jetted properly.
- On the slower side when it comes to top-end speed.
- Stock tires were a bit small and will likely need to be replaced for serious or intermediate trail riding.
- Lack of a standard Engine Braking System can make descents on the trail tricky.
- Over 20 years old, many used models may have been sitting unused and will likely need some mechanical work to bring them back to running good.
Conclusion
If you’re looking for a solid all-around ATV that offers tough working ability and also makes for a trusty trail riding companion, a used Polaris Sportsman 335 makes for a great budget option.
For more Polaris, check out the following guides before you go:
