The line of Polaris Trail Boss ATVs kicked off Polaris’ entry into the ATV market around 1990, and saw a number of models see multi-year production runs.
It wasn’t until around 13 years later that the Polaris Trail Boss 330 made its debut in 2003 followed by an impressive production run through 2013.
While this model was overshadowed by other Polaris ATVs at the time including the Polaris Magnum 330 and one of the most popular ATVs ever in the Polaris Sportsman 500, it still makes for an excellent used ATV option all these years later.
This guide will give an overview of everything you should consider about the Polaris Trail Boss 330 before buying one, including:
- Build quality and performance
- Design and durability
- What changes were made to which models through the years
- Top Speed
- Handling
- Present-day value
- How they compare with three similar ATV models
- What you’ll love about the Trail Boss 330
- What you won’t love about the Trail Boss 330
About The Polaris Trail Boss 330
When the Trail Boss 330 was released shortly after other classic models like the Polaris Sportsman 335 and Polaris Magnum 425 were phased out, it was one of the few entry-level full-size quads available.
This made it attractive in the eyes of adults who were just toeing the waters of the off-road scene and who didn’t want to start with one of the pricier, higher-performance quads.
As a utility-focused model, its working ability also appealed to farmers, ranchers, and other working folk.
The Trail Boss 330 features good low-end power that makes it ideal for towing or hauling. It can handle most any work task you throw at it.
And while it’s not the fastest or most agile quad, it does make for a solid trail riding machine with above average acceleration and an impressive suspension system.
And like other older Polaris off-road vehicles like the RZR 800 that still make for some of the best used options you can buy, the Trail Boss 330 is known for standing the test of time with its high quality build.
Build Quality & Performance
Engine
The Polaris Trail Boss 330 is powered by a four-stroke, air-cooled (with fan-assisted oil cooler) single-cylinder engine with around 19 horsepower.
While the power and speed are not that impressive compared to other utility ATVs, this quad can still take on most terrains.
It has enough low end grunt to clear rocks and logs, making an excellent choice for trail riding.
However, it may struggle up steep, soft inclines such as sand dunes or muddy creek banks.
And being tuned more for low end torque than speed has another advantage in the Trail Boss 330’s solid towing capacity of 850 lbs.
It has no problem pulling other ATVs out of a sticky situation.
| Engine Type | Four-Stroke, gas |
| Cylinder Arrangement | Single Cylinder |
| Displacement | 329 cc |
| Horsepower | 19 HP |
| Bore x Stroke Ratio | 78.5 mm x 68 mm |
| Compression Ratio | 9.2:1 |
| Carburetion System | Carburetor, BST 34 (Size – 34 mm) |
| Engine Cooling | Air w/ fan assisted oil cooler |
| Fuel Capacity | 4 Gallons |
| Starter Type | Electric / Pull |
| Ignition System | DC CDI |
| Battery | 12V 14Ah |
| Spark Plug | BKR6E |
Drivetrain
The Trail Boss 350 only features two-wheel drive and is chain-driven, with a 520 O-Ring chain transferring power to the rear wheels.
An automatic CVT transmission makes this model easy to drive for any experience level.
It offers three gear settings including Forward, Neutral, and Reverse, with the latter being a lifesaver when riding trails or stuck in the mud.
| Drive System | Chain Drive, 520 O-Ring |
| Transmission Type | Automatic CVT |
| Gear Shift Pattern | F – N – R |
Tires and Brakes
The Trail Boss 330 is fitted with 23-inch tires in the front and 22-inch tires in the rear, all made by the Carlisle brand.
The recommended tire pressure is 5 psi in both these front and rear stock tires.
The hydraulic disc brakes in the front and rear are controlled by a single brake lever on the handle bar.
Riders can also make use of the auxiliary hydraulic foot brake located in the right foot well for added stopping power.
| Front Tires | Carlisle 23 x 8-12 |
| Rear Tires | Carlisle 22 x 11-10 |
| Recommended Tire Pressure | Front – 5 psiRear – 5 psi |
| Wheels | Steel |
| Front Brake Type | Hydraulic Disc |
| Rear Brake Type | Hydraulic Disc |
Suspension
Featuring a long-travel suspension design, with a MacPherson Strut suspension in front and progressive-rate swingarm suspension in the rear, the Trail Boss 330 offers a smooth ride in most terrains.
While this smoothness is adequate for an entry-level machine, it doesn’t quite compare to some of the superior models like the Polaris Sportsman.
This suspension system does a good job of soaking up any chop in the trail and makes slower speed riding especially comfortable.
A 5.4 foot (165 cm) turning radius enables sharp turns and easy cornering.
Though the ground clearance of 4.9 inches is not that impressive, it’s actually rather rare to bottom this machine out on reasonable trails.
Which is good, as like many utility ATVs of that era, this model does not feature a stock rear skid plate.
| Wheelbase | 45 inches |
| Ground Clearance | 4.9 inches |
| Front Suspension | MacPherson Strut |
| Rear Suspension | Swing Arm |
Dimensions
Weighing in at almost 500 lbs, the Trail Boss 330 leaves no doubt about its status as a utility ATV.
A good bit heavier than the average ATV and with a bulkier build, this quad is not going to be the best suited to squeeze its way through trees in wooded areas or around the tightest of trails.
And while the weight and build do give it some added oomph in the power department and increase its towing ability, this also serves to limit the top speed and acceleration some, as you’d expect.
| Length | 75 inches |
| Width | 45 inches |
| Height | 49 inches |
| Seat Height | 35 inches |
| Dry Weight | 492 lbs. |
Exterior Features
The Polaris Trail Boss 330 looks like your classic utility four wheeler, with a rugged and bulky design that indicates its ability to work.
Up front, two wide-set halogen headlights provide illumination for night riding. A front bumper leads up to the front storage rack that sits over top the hood area.
Located on the handlebars are the brake lever and plastic thumb throttle, along with the kill switch, the reverse-override button, and the light selector switch.
In between the handlebars is the choke and the electric key starter.
There is no fuel gauge or speedometer, though aftermarket units can be installed if desired. The right hand operated gear shift is located just under the handlebars.
Polaris seats are some of the most comfortable in the industry, with riders able to use the Trail Boss 330 for hours at a time without suffering from an achy rear end or back.
As a full-size ATV, there is plenty of legroom extending down to each footwell for any size adult to be comfortable.
The footwells are full-length, with the auxiliary foot brake located in the one on the right side. An emergency pull-start also exists under the right side of the seat.
A rear storage rack and tail light round out the rear of the quad.
The Polaris Trail Boss 330 came with a number of different standard color options during its production run, including red, white, blue, and black.
Some folks have outfitted these quads with custom plastics, leaving a variety of colors available among used models.
Models And Changes
The Trail Boss 330 saw a number of models produced during its production run from 2003 to around 2013.
While the early models were mostly identical save for some minor changes in the color schemes and parts, there were some more notable changes made to the 2010+ versions.
The last few models featured a more modern look, with new bodywork and plastics.
The headlights were also improved, being more stylish and powerful than those of prior models.
Additionally, the shocks in the front and rear were both extended, increasing the travel in front from 6.7 inches to 8.2 inches and the travel in the rear from 9 inches to 10.5 inches to make for a smoother ride.
Polaris Trail Boss 330 Top Speed
The Polaris Trail Boss 330 top speed is 50 mph, which is not too shabby for a utility model.
As some models date back to 2003, owners may find that their model may top out anywhere between 45 – 50 mph, depending on the degree of wear on the engine over time.
While this model doesn’t have the top end speed that some of the big bores or sport quads have, it handles well enough on the trail that it won’t be too far behind if riding with some of them.
And it can go pretty much anywhere the high performance quads can go.
Handling
Being an entry-level quad, the Trail Boss 330 is designed to be easy to ride.
The handling is predictable, and this machine offers good stability in all situations, most notably when turning.
Riders need not have a full understanding of using body weight to corner, as this model is at low risk of tipping.
The low-end acceleration is enough to motor riders around wooded trails at a good rate of speed, and there’s enough power to slide the back end around corners if desired.
This model is most suited for trail riding and casual driving around the farm or ranch with its speed limitations.
How Much Is A Polaris Trail Boss 330 Worth?
The following table shows the original list prices and average present-day retail values of each Trail Boss 330 model according to NadaGuides.
| Year, Make & Model | Original MSRP | Average Retail Price |
| 2003 Polaris Trail Boss 330 | $3,699 | $925 |
| 2004 Polaris Trail Boss 330 | $3,699 | $965 |
| 2005 Polaris Trail Boss 330 | $3.799 | $1,095 |
| 2006 Polaris Trail Boss 330 | $3,899 | $1,290 |
| 2007 Polaris Trail Boss 330 | $3,899 | $1,455 |
| 2008 Polaris Trail Boss 330 | $3,999 | $1,935 |
| 2009 Polaris Trail Boss 330 | $4,099 | $2,075 |
| 2010 Polaris Trail Boss 330 | $4,299 | $2,200 |
| 2011 Polaris Trail Boss 330 | $4,299 | $2,270 |
| 2012 Polaris Trail Boss 330 | $4,399 | $2,535 |
| 2013 Polaris Trail Boss 330 | $4,399 | $2,665 |
This seems to be a good reference point, as used models offered through online marketplaces such as Facebook Marketplace and ATV Trader pretty closely reflect these ranges being offered from between $1,200 and $2,800.
While there are some units to be had for less, the exteriors of many are in rough shape and they likely need some mechanical work to run properly.
Comparable ATV Models
Countless utility ATVs exist among off-roaders these days.
Three that most closely resemble the Polaris Trail Boss 330 are the Honda Fourtrax Recon, Arctic Cat 300 2×4, and Kawasaki Brute Force 300.
Below is a side-by-side comparison of some key features.
Honda Fourtrax Recon
| Features | Honda Fourtrax Recon | Polaris Trail Boss 330 |
| Engine Displacement | 229 cc | 329 cc |
| Stock Horsepower | 16 hp | 19 hp |
| Top Speed | 45 mph | 50 mph |
| Ground Clearance | 6 inches | 4.9 inches |
| Dimensions in Inches (L x W x H) | 75 x 41 x 42 | 75 x 45 x 49 |
Arctic Cat 300 2×4
| Features | Arctic Cat 300 2×4 | Polaris Trail Boss 330 |
| Engine Displacement | 270 cc | 329 cc |
| Stock Horsepower | 17 hp | 19 hp |
| Top Speed | 45 mph | 50 mph |
| Ground Clearance | 10 inches | 4.9 inches |
| Dimensions in Inches (L x W x H) | 74 x 41 x 44 | 75 x 45 x 49 |
Kawasaki Brute Force 300
| Features | Kawasaki Brute Force 300 | Polaris Trail Boss 330 |
| Engine Displacement | 271 cc | 329 cc |
| Stock Horsepower | 22 hp | 19 hp |
| Top Speed | 50 mph | 50 mph |
| Ground Clearance | 6.1 inches | 4.9 inches |
| Dimensions in Inches (L x W x H) | 75 x 43 x 46 | 75 x 45 x 49 |
What You’ll Love About The Polaris Trail Boss 330
- Full-size entry-level quad
- Front and rear storage racks
- Full footwells help prevent riders from being sprayed with mud and dirt
- Carburetor contains an idle adjustment that can be used to raise or lower RPMs if idle speed is not satisfactory
- Good acceleration and low-end power makes for easy climbing of logs and rocks
- Backup pull starter
- Reverse setting helps when trail riding or if stuck
- Compact enough to fit into the bed of most pickup trucks
- Suspension is above average for an entry-lever machine
What You Won’t Love About The Polaris Trail Boss 330
- Axles are prone to bending during trail riding and may need to be upgraded
- Carburetor known to cause hard starting, especially in cold weather
- No four-wheel drive
- No rear skid plate leaves it vulnerable to damage from bottoming out
- Lacking in straightaway speed
- Foot brake doesn’t activate brake lights
- Stock exhaust is loud, even with a muffler installed
- Lack of speedometer, odometer, or fuel gauge
Conclusion
Finding a good middle ground between utility and recreation, the Polaris Trail Boss 330 appealed to multiple types of riders.
For beginners and experienced riders alike, this quad made an excellent choice for consumers who wanted a versatile quad at a reasonable price.
And that still holds true today for the many used models which have stood the test of time.
Just as the Polaris Sportsman 570 makes for one of the best ATVs for the money today, so did the Trail Boss 330 throughout the 2000’s.
