bunghole,
I would recommend a Polaris. We use ATV's for work and use only Polaris, primarily because of how they ride. Other manufactures may be better now (I don't know, I don't ride anything else), but 6 or 7 years ago Polaris suspensions were head and sholders above the rest. That was before they started the independent rear suspension. We have a 1998 425 Magnum 4x4 (selectable 4 x4, solid rear axle, which you will want if you tow anything) with about 5000+ miles on it and probably twice that in hours. Very Reliable. We bought a used 97 Sportsman 500 (4x4, independent rear suspension) and have had it in and out of the shop sense we got it. Not so reliable.We are going to buy our 6th Polaris this summer, so overall we are pleased with them.
If you want bragging rights, they make a 700 Sportsman that will go really fast and empty your wallet faster, but it sounds like a 400 Magnum 4x4 would be what fits your desires and dollars. 400s have enough oomph to get you out of bad situations and are still relatively cheap. The solid rear axle isn't as nice as the independent, but cheaper and better if you are wanting to tow something (Independent sus. takes the weight of the trailer tongue, axle takes the weight on the solid axle setup, leaving the suspension free to cushion you).