Finding a used honda 700 big red in good condition is like finding a hidden treasure for anyone who needs a UTV that actually works for a living. It has been a while since Honda replaced this model with the Pioneer series, but if you spend any time on a farm, a job site, or out in the woods, you'll still see these red machines chugging along like they just rolled off the showroom floor. There's a specific reason for that: Honda didn't build this to be a high-speed trail racer; they built it to be a miniature truck that happens to have four-wheel drive and a dump bed.
When the Big Red first hit the market around 2009, the side-by-side world was a bit different than it is now. Everyone was chasing horsepower and suspension travel. Honda, in their typical fashion, decided to go the other way. They focused on longevity, ease of use, and a mechanical design that wouldn't leave you stranded in the middle of a hundred-acre field. If you're looking at picking one up today, or if you're just wondering why your neighbor refuses to sell theirs, let's get into what makes this machine such a staple.
A Different Kind of Engine and Transmission
The heart of the honda 700 big red is a 675cc, liquid-cooled, single-cylinder engine. Now, on paper, that might not sound like a world-beater. You aren't going to win many drag races against a modern Polaris RZR or a Can-Am Maverick. But that's totally fine because that wasn't the goal. This engine is all about low-end torque. It's designed to pull heavy loads and crawl through thick mud without breaking a sweat.
What really sets the Big Red apart from almost everything else in its class is the transmission. Most UTVs use a CVT (Continuously Variable Transmission) with a rubber belt. Belts are fine, but they can slip, smell like burnt rubber when you're working them too hard, and eventually, they snap. The Big Red doesn't have a belt. It uses an automotive-style, three-speed automatic transmission with a hydraulic torque converter.
This is a huge deal for reliability. It feels more like driving a small pickup truck than a golf cart on steroids. When you're descending a steep hill with a heavy load in the back, the engine braking is natural and predictable because it's a direct mechanical link. You don't have to worry about a belt "freewheeling" on you. It's one of the main reasons people still hunt down these specific models on the used market.
Built for the Workday
If you look at the bed of a honda 700 big red, you'll notice it's not just a plastic box. It's a heavy-duty, steel-reinforced tilt bed that's built to take a beating. It's rated to carry about 500 pounds, and while people definitely push that limit, the machine handles it surprisingly well. Whether you're hauling firewood, fence posts, or bags of feed, the dump feature makes life a whole lot easier.
The towing capacity is another strong point, sitting at a solid 1,200 pounds. Again, that's plenty for most utility tasks. The hitch is a standard 2-inch receiver, so you can swap over the same ball mount you use for your truck. It's these little practical touches that show Honda was listening to people who actually use these things for chores rather than just weekend play.
The Cab and Ergonomics
Inside the cab, the honda 700 big red is pretty basic, but in a good way. It features a wide bench seat that can comfortably fit two large adults. Some newer machines have cramped bucket seats that make it hard to slide in and out, but the Big Red is designed for someone who's constantly getting out to open gates or throw things in the back.
The dash is straightforward. You've got your gear selector (Drive, Neutral, Reverse), your 4WD engagement, and your diff-lock. It's not cluttered with a million digital screens or complicated modes. The steering is heavy but precise, and because the machine is wider than some of the older "trail" focused UTVs, it feels very stable. You don't get that tippy feeling when you're traversing an uneven hillside.
One thing you'll notice pretty quickly is that it's a bit loud inside the cab. Since the engine is right under the seat, you get some vibration and noise. It's a work machine, though, so most owners don't mind the "mechanical" symphony. It's a reminder that there's a lot of heavy-duty hardware working underneath you.
Maintenance and Long-Term Ownership
Owning a honda 700 big red is generally a low-stress experience. Since there's no belt to change, your primary maintenance tasks are just the basics: oil changes, air filter cleanings, and checking the differential fluids. Honda made the access points relatively easy to get to, so you don't have to take half the bodywork off just to check your oil level.
The parts availability is still surprisingly good. Even though the model was discontinued years ago, because it shares some DNA with Honda's ATVs and the later Pioneer 700, you can still find what you need. Whether it's a new starter, a fuel pump, or just some fresh brake pads, you aren't going to be stuck with a lawn ornament because you can't find a gasket.
That said, if you're buying one used, there are a few things to look out for. Because these were often used on farms, they can sometimes be "rode hard and put away wet." Check the cv boots for tears and look at the frame for any major rust or stress cracks. But honestly, if the previous owner did even the bare minimum of oil changes, the engine and transmission are likely still in great shape.
Where It Fits in Today's World
You might be wondering: if the honda 700 big red is so great, why did Honda replace it? Well, the UTV market moved toward more versatile machines that could "do it all." The Pioneer 700, which followed it, is a bit narrower and a bit more agile on tight trails. It also offered things like the 4-seater option where the seats fold flat into the bed.
However, many enthusiasts still prefer the Big Red for pure utility. Its wider stance makes it feel more planted when you're loaded down, and the overall "overbuilt" feel of the chassis is hard to replicate. It's a purpose-built tool. If your goal is to go 60 mph through a desert, this isn't the machine for you. But if your goal is to get a trailer full of gravel to the back of your property in a rainstorm, the Big Red is exactly what you want.
Final Thoughts on the Big Red
At the end of the day, the honda 700 big red represents a specific era of Honda engineering where they just wanted to build the most reliable thing on the planet. It doesn't have the fancy electronic power steering of the new models or the high-travel Fox shocks, but it has a soul of pure iron.
It's the kind of machine that starts every single time you turn the key, even if it's been sitting in a cold barn for three weeks. For a lot of us, that reliability is worth more than any amount of horsepower or fancy gadgets. If you find one for sale and the price is right, don't hesitate. It might just be the last UTV you ever need to buy. It's not just a vehicle; it's a tool that's going to save your back and get the job done for years to come.