If you're looking for a side-by-side that actually works for a living, the 2008 arctic cat prowler 700 is one of those old-school machines that just keeps on ticking. It's hard to believe it's been over fifteen years since this thing hit the trails, but you still see plenty of them hauling wood or splashing through mud pits on the weekends. Back when it was released, the UTV market was still finding its legs, and Arctic Cat decided to go big with a machine that felt more like a miniature Jeep than a beefed-up golf cart.
A Real Workhorse with a Big Heart
When you get behind the wheel of the 2008 arctic cat prowler 700, the first thing you notice is the sound. It's got that distinct, single-cylinder "thump" that tells you exactly what kind of power you're dealing with. The heart of this beast is the 695cc H1 engine. It's a liquid-cooled, fuel-injected single that was pretty revolutionary for the time. Before EFI became the standard, we were all out there messing with chokes and cleaning carburetors every time the temperature dropped five degrees.
The EFI on this Prowler changed the game for a lot of owners. You could turn the key on a freezing morning, and it would just fire right up. It's got plenty of low-end torque, which is exactly what you want when you're trying to pull a trailer full of gravel or crawl over a rocky ledge. It's not going to win any drag races against a modern 1000cc turbo machine, but that was never really the point. It was built for the guy who needed to get things done.
Ground Clearance That Still Impresses
One of the big selling points back in 2008—and something that still holds up today—is the ground clearance. The 2008 arctic cat prowler 700 sits high. We're talking about 13 inches of clearance right out of the box. Even by today's standards, that's impressive. Most "utility" machines back then were lucky to get 10 inches before their skid plates started scraping every rock in sight.
Arctic Cat achieved this by using a double A-arm suspension at all four corners. It gives the Prowler a very planted feel, even when the terrain gets nasty. Now, don't get me wrong, it's not a plush Cadillac ride. If you hit a whoop section at 40 mph, you're going to feel it in your spine. But for technical trails or navigating a messy farm site, that clearance is a lifesaver. You don't have to worry nearly as much about getting hung up on a stump or a rogue rock.
That Massive Tilting Bed
If you ask any long-term owner what they love most about their 2008 arctic cat prowler 700, they'll probably point at the back. The cargo bed is huge. It's not just a little plastic box; it's a full-sized composite bed that can hold 600 pounds. And the best part? It tilts.
I've used mine for everything from hauling mulch to moving firewood, and being able to just unlatch the bed and dump the load saves so much time and back pain. It also has a "trunk" under the hood for extra storage, though it's not exactly waterproof, so don't put anything in there that can't get a little dusty. It's these little practical touches that make the Prowler feel like a tool rather than just a toy.
The Reality of Owning an Older UTV
Let's be real for a second: owning a machine that's over a decade and a half old isn't always sunshine and rainbows. The 2008 arctic cat prowler 700 has its quirks. For starters, the turning radius isn't exactly "nimble." You'll find yourself doing three-point turns in tight wooded areas where a smaller machine might just whip right around. It's a big, wide machine, which is great for stability but a bit of a pain in the thick brush.
Then there's the noise. Because the engine is sitting right between the seats, the cab can get pretty loud. You're definitely not going to be having a whispered conversation with your passenger while you're cruising down the trail. Most of us just wear helmets or earplugs anyway, but it's something to keep in mind if you're used to the quieter, more refined cabs of the $30,000 machines they're selling today.
Common Maintenance Needs
If you're looking to buy a used 2008 arctic cat prowler 700, there are a few things you should check. First, look at the bushings. Arctic Cat machines from this era are notorious for eating through A-arm bushings if they aren't greased regularly. If you hear a lot of squeaking when you push down on the bumper, you're probably looking at a weekend project.
Also, keep an eye on the fuel pump. Early EFI systems could be a bit finicky if they sat for too long with bad gas. But honestly, if the previous owner took decent care of it, these engines are built like tanks. Change the oil, keep the air filter clean, and it'll probably outlive us all.
How It Compares to Modern Machines
It's easy to look at the new side-by-sides with their power steering, touchscreens, and 20 inches of travel and think the 2008 arctic cat prowler 700 is a dinosaur. And in some ways, it is. It doesn't have power steering, so your forearms are going to get a workout if you're riding in technical terrain all day. It's a physical machine to drive.
But there's something refreshing about its simplicity. There are no complicated electronics to fail deep in the woods. There's no limp mode that's going to ruin your day because a sensor got a little bit of mud on it. It's a mechanical beast. If something goes wrong, you can usually fix it with a basic set of wrenches and a bit of patience. For a lot of us, that's a huge plus.
Is the 2008 Arctic Cat Prowler 700 Still Worth Buying?
So, should you pick one up if you find a good deal on Craigslist or Marketplace? Honestly, if the price is right, absolutely. The 2008 arctic cat prowler 700 is a fantastic "entry-level" UTV for someone who wants to get into the hobby without taking out a second mortgage. It's great for hunters, farmers, or anyone who just wants to explore the backroads.
You get a fuel-injected engine, great ground clearance, and a massive dump bed for a fraction of the cost of a new machine. Sure, it's a bit rough around the edges, and it's not the fastest thing on the trail, but it has character. It's a reminder of a time when UTVs were built to be rugged first and fancy second.
Final Thoughts on a Classic
At the end of the day, the 2008 arctic cat prowler 700 isn't trying to be anything it's not. It's a heavy-duty, reliable, and capable side-by-side that paved the way for the high-performance machines we see today. It's got that "Arctic Cat" grit—a bit noisy, a bit vibrating, but always ready to work.
Whether you're using it to clear snow in the winter or to haul your gear to the deer stand in the fall, it's a machine that earns its keep. If you find one that's been well-maintained, grab it. It might be an older cat, but it still has plenty of life left in it, and it'll probably still be running long after some of these newer, high-strung machines have hit the scrap heap. Plus, there's just something satisfying about showing up to the trail in a classic and showing the "new kids" that you don't need a turbocharger to have a good time in the dirt.