We have to be honest. On looks alone, the Yamaha Rhino 4x4 trips our trigger/floats our boat. Call us shallow for being seduced by a beautiful face-we don't care. In our opinion, the Rhino is a design masterpiece. On the one hand, its appearance says, "Hey, big boy, wanna play?" while on the other it says, "Get out of my way so I can work." While some side-by-side utility ATVs are just plain ugly, the Rhino is the perfect combination of beauty and brawn.
As we all know, looks won't get you through life (just ask Anna Kournikova-oops, bad example), and the same is true for ATVs. Not to worry, because the Rhino sports a strong powerplant and driveline to back up those good looks. It's propelled by a powerful five-valve, SOHC, 660cc, four-stroke single-cylinder engine that is liquid/oil-cooled and features a responsive 42mm Mikuni carburetor. The engine is bolted to a reliable Ultramatic automatic transmission with all-wheel engine braking. Four-wheel-drive selection is via the exclusive On-Command pushbutton system that offers 2WD, 4WD, and 4WD with locking differential settings.
One of the most fascinating aspects of the Rhino is that Yamaha says this utility machine will traverse the same terrain as a 4x4 ATV. Part of the reason it's so capable is its impressive approach/departure angles as well as its flexy IFS/IRS. It boasts 7.3 inches of suspension travel (which is more than some SUVs we test) and an impressive 12.1 inches of ground clearance.
When it comes time to work, the Rhino is ready. It has a standard 2-inch receiver so you can utilize the hitch off your pickup truck. It's rated to tow 1,212 pounds. The tilting bed can carry up to 400 pounds of whatever.
So there you have it: the good looking and very capable Yamaha Rhino 660 4x4. Clearly it's more than just an eye-catching ride.
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The starter, choke, and On-Command four-wheel-drive switches are all conveniently located on the dash. | 
Shifting the Ultramatic automatic transmission is as easy as moving the console-mounted shift lever. |
Specs
General
Vehicle model: '06 Yamaha Rhino 660 4x4
Base price: $9,199 (Special Edition $9,899, shown)
Colors: Realtree High-Definition Hardwoods camouflage, Hunter Green, SteelBlue (Special Edition)
Engine
Type: Single-cylinder four-stroke
Displacement (cc): 660
Bore x stroke (mm): 100 x 84
Compression ratio: 9.1:1
Carburetor: Mikuni 42mm BSR
Starter: Electric
Drivetrain
Transmission: Yamaha Ultramatic V-belt
Final drive: Shaft
Suspension/Axles
Front: Independent double wishbone, five-way preload adjustment shocks, 7.3 inches of travel
Rear: Independent double wishbone, five-way preload adjustment shocks, 7.3 inches of travel
Brakes
Front: Dual hydraulic disc with twin-piston calipers
Rear: Hydraulic disc, self adjusting, shaft mounted
Tires
Front: AT25x8-12 NHS
Rear: AT25x10-12 NHS
Dimensions/Capacities
Weight (lb): 1,049
Ground clearance (in): 12.1
Length (in): 113.6
Width (in): 54.4
Height (in): 73
Turning radius (in): 153.5
Wheelbase (in): 75.2
Fuel capacity (gal): 7.9