Living With a Polaris Slingshot! Terrific or Terrible?

What are your thoughts my dudes?

I bought my 2017 SR Slingshot new, and have a bit of 16,000 miles of smiles in it. I did not for a second consider what other people thought about how it looks, nor whether they like it. I bought it because I like it. Weird, I know! I've ridden motorcycles. Love 'em. A Slingshot is nothing like a motorcycle, except for the open cockpit. I've driven a variety of of sports cars, and a Slingshot is nothing like them, either. I especially test drove a new Miata. Liked it, but it is no where near as much fun to drive as my Slingshot, which was a few thousand cheaper than the Miata I drove. The Miata is more practical, but then if being "practical" was my goal I'd be driving a Prius. My Slingshot is more like an old English roadster, such as a MG Midget or Triumph TR7, only quicker and more reliable. It handles more like a mid-80s Lotus S3 Esprit than a modern 370Z or Z4, more like an adult racing go cart, a Yamaha Wave Runner VXR jet ski for the road. It goes exactly where I want it to go in the twisties, and though it feels quicker than it actually is, because it handles so well I easily kept up with a Boxter on the Tail of the Dragon, even before we both got stuck behind a couple of guys on cruiser bikes who didn't know enough to pull over. On other passes, I've actually had sport bikes and Vettes to pull over so I could pass, though I wouldn't want to challenge a good rider or Vette driver in quickest times. I just wanted to go faster than they did at those times. On another pass, a much faster Viper and I rode along together, and enjoyed talking about it at Deal's Gap. In three years of driving my Slingshot, I have yet to have someone pull out in front of me, though I confess that I do drive it defensively. It's wider across the front than a Z06, about like an F150 pickup, but it sit's very low. I'm especially careful around 18-wheelers, but then I am in my SUV also. The longest trip I've enjoyed so far was only about 7 hours on the highway. At last year's Slingshots in the Smokies in Maggie Valley, NC, I went on a ride with a great guy and his dog. Together, they had driven theirs from Alaska to North Carolina, and I believe they were headed up to New England from North Carolina on the the way home. My Slingshot is still practically stock. I added some stick on convex mirrors, and a Stinger roof. It hang off the roll hoops to provide some welcome shade in the hot Georgia summer sun, while keeping the open cockpit. Not the cheapest roof, but I shopped carefully, and got the one I thought was best. Listen, I understand that a Slingshot, Vanderhaul, CanAm, Aerial Atom, etc. is not for everyone. If it's not for you, don't buy one. But when you attack the intellect, character, or culture of those who do enjoy them with snide, ugly, uninformed comments, you are revealing far more about yourself than you are about these unique vehicles.

You speak as a non-owner. After 38000 miles, my Slingshot is just as fun as it was at mile 1. After replacing all the tires (the rear 3 times) I purchased a set of Continentals. Yeah, they are not the gumball rears that came stock but the Continental will last at least 4 times as long. I have given up nothing as far as handling but I am not likely to do a over $200 burnout, but then I grew out of that when the price of tires skyrocketed. My Wife and I have driven our all over Indiana, Kentucky, and Ohio. We have been to the top of Pikes Peak, went from 90 degrees at the bottom of the Rockies to 29 degrees (and sleet) at the top. All the time, it never missed a beat or stranded me (even though in the sleet I did pucker my cheeks a bit). . For the price you pay, you won't find a more fun vehicle that is as stable and gets 34 MPG. I would say buy one, and if you don't like it, you should be able to sell it for what you paid for it. By the way, the $20000 Slingshot is just as fun as the $30000 Slingshot.

I actually owe this one in red and have for about 5 months and put over 5k miles on it. I drive mine EVERYWHERE when it is not raining even if its 30 degrees. It is hard because anyone else that I see driving one is a lot older. As a 29 year old I love it and just enjoy every time I get behind the wheel but to add to it I did get the manual so it is a lot more fun. I am some one drove motorcycles for the last 10 years and after an accident I cant see myself riding again so to finally feel the freedom on the open air again you is just amazing. If you can afford it you wont regret it!! Just an awesome vehicle!

Coming from a guy that drives a scooter, which is arguably one of the most fun things you can drive, who cares what other people think?? If they make fun of you it’s just because they’re mad they’re in a Camry or on a big Harley and aren’t having as much fun as you are. They’re just jealous that they are too worried about their image and how strangers will see them to have as much fun as you are.

I'm 42 with beer belly and my wife and I both love my slingshot. Definitely fit the stereotype

Great review, exactly my thoughts! I sold my Slingshot as I needed some $$$, but looking to buy it again. For those who say that wearing a helmet while driving a Sligshot is a show-off, it is not. Slingshot is not a car and hence there are no airbags to protect you. I absolutely love the feel of Slingshot, no motorcycle can compare, no offence. For once, Slingshot has a very low clearance; so, riding it feels like driving a sport car, but much more fun. Honestly, I'd rather own a Slingshot that a Lambo - the experience is so different. I do agree they need to fix that automatic transmission issue. It is actually a manual transmission with an automatic drive that learns your behave. It needs to be programmed correctly and when it first came out not many dealers knew how to do it. I'm looking forward to see what they have for 2022 model.

Finally a youtuber who gives his honest opinion. A company that gave him a car to test and doesnt sugar coat anything. (Auto transmission in particular reference @ 4:30). Dont get me wrong, I love Matt Moran, RedlineReviews, etc... I watch all there videos too but they dont give you REAL REVIEWS.

I have the same SS Rvin the stick shift. I'm a 68yo Nana and I absolutely love this thing. I drove a 2018 model on a test drive and fell in love and have wanted one ever since. When the time came my husband said for me to go and pick out what I wanted, I was looking at a 2019 GT then I saw the 2020 model and it was easier for me to get in and out with the new design steering wheel ( I'm not petite in size lol) and I love the fact you have controls in the steering rather than being distracted by taking your eyes off the road. My granddaughter is 12 and lives with us. She has never been interested in motorcycles or off road vehicles and didn't really want to ride in this at first, but she didn't have a choice when we went to pick it up from the dealer. We both had helmets, put them on and off we went. It was a 45 min drive home. By the time we were home, she was in love as I was. Now Everytime we leave the house she wants to take the SS. So my husband rides his motor cycle and her and I can ride together. Boy do we get alot of looks, compliments, and thumbs up and when I take my helmet off, people are surprised that this nana is the driver. I have to admit I feel like I'm back in my late teens when I'm behind the wheel spinning the tires and speed shifting. You can't wipe the smile off my face. It is totally worth every penny for the thrill each time I take her out. It's a new adventure. I do want to get the heated and cooled seats cause it does get hot here in Texas.

Drive it as long as you want, wherever you want? Sounds like a free Slingshot to me.

I have a 2016 - its awesome. I had to put in many upgrades (windshield, stick shift, carpet, etc) but its sooo worth it. Mine is stick shift, and that's the banger right there. Auto would suck IMO. Next upgrades are stereo, subs, etc. Overall it turns heads ALL day! I've had people stop me to take a picture, I've had groups of people come over and ask me all about it. I've had countless people video tape me driving it. It's like you are a celeb coming into town. Amazing. Are there some flaws with this vehicle, yes.. but overall it's a blast to drive around town, in the mountains and more. So fun. Will you get cut off, sometimes. Mine is bright red and I have a couple small American flags on the back that trigger eyeballs to look! Overall it's amazing and I'm glad I purchased it. Keep in mind you will get basically two kinds of people, the ones that are blown away with it and in "awww" and the other that refuses to acknowledge its right in front of them or actually yells something like, "thats a piece of sh*t" as they walk away. LOL. I laugh and yell back, "have fun driving your moms car". LOL. Chicks love this thing as well. Don't get the lame colors if you decide to buy one.. stick with red or black or that midnight purple one. amazing. The baby blue is sh*t imo for color as well as the orange. Again, summertime fun to be had for months! Worth the price.. or buy one used.. Don't get the auto trans, it's sh*t. always go for the stick!

I recently purchased a 2020 SS R with the 5 speed manual and it definitely is not everyone's cup of tea. It sits in that netherworld between cars and motorcycles. I just turned 70 and my GF and I used to ride the motorcycle together but she became fearful in the curves. I also own a 2003 Suzuki Hayabusa and a 2016 Chevy SS both are high performance, good handling vehicles. To me the SS represents the best of both worlds albeit with all the inherent driving risks out there. I find the styling different and very appealing but agree that the rear end needs some sort of continuity. I'm blessed to live in No CA where there a multitude of winding, beautiful back roads to explore. For me, the SS is what the doctor ordered.

Most vehicles are just opportunities to fix a lot of stupid engineering mistakes, but I just bought a base model a few weeks ago...and love it. I had already identified a number of things that were less than ideal for me but found a large modification aftermarket. People don't see me, so I swapped out the stock horn for an airhorn. I added 4 storage compartments that complement the body style. Speaker pods behind the headrest for marine speakers. Cheap light kit for inside (so I can see where I dropped my keys at night...etc.). I like that it's unique and reflects my personality and not just another soulless drone like, oh, say, ALL the other vehicles out there in my price range.

I can't speak to the 2020 model, but I own a 2016 SL with the 5 speed manual transmission and absolutely love it. I have had 5 motorcycles in my life and will never own another one. The Slingshot is by far more fun to drive. And my wife enjoys having her own seat and not sitting above the windshield like she did on my bikes. If you ever get the chance to drive one, do it and you will understand.

I own one, I love driving it and enjoy my adventures every single time I go for a drive.

I have one, a used one, for the last three months, it is a treat to drive and have had no difficulties in any traffic situations. I have driven on major highways, single lane highways and narrow streets, without any problems. I have to admit it has a stiff ride, which is caused by the low profile tires. Mine is a standard 5 speed transmission with the GMC 4cyl economy engine. The vehicle is powerful enough to keep up with most motor cycles while navigating the twisty and hilly roads in the Tennessee Blue RIDGE Mountains. The low center of gravity allows for higher speeds on the sharp corners and s-bends. They are a fabulous ride....

I like the Slingshot. Hope to buy one someday. 👍💜😁

"No one sees you in this thing" Welcome to motorcycles lol

I drove the manual version yesterday. I love it! It's like driving a race car. When you're looking over the front I feel like I'm driving a high end car like a Ferrari or Lamborghini. It will go sideways on command. If I owned one I would drive it everywhere. When it's not supposed to rain that is. I am seriously thinking of buying one of these over a new harley.

In other words, if you drive it like a sensible person, it's a great ride but if you're trying to hotdog it you may have some issues. Easy fix. Drive sensible dude! I Love mine and never had these issues. Everytime he took off he tried to spin out. I would never dog out something the Polaris company loaned me to test drive. I'd drive it like I drive mine, with respect and total regard for the road.