Initially, I didn't want a Pioneer - slow, rough, and clunky were my reasons. However, it's so dependable that people most often use the word "bullet-proof" to describe it - you'll rarely hear that word used to describe other machines that can cost double what this one does. You could probably abuse this machine for years without servicing it a single time if you were so inclined - not recommended, but it's doable.
I put just over 1,300 miles on my 700-4 this past month in some of the harshest conditions that could be found in rocky, mountainous areas with temperatures that pushed up to 115 degrees and there was never even a hint of a problem - not even a flat. It's dependability rocks. The ride is a bit rough, but it can be smoothed down with lowering tire air pressures - it's LOTS smoother running 8 to 10 PSI; and hopefully, new shocks will help as well.
There's absolutely nothing I can do about the slowness, but it's really not a problem on the trails, windy roads, and city driving – The only time speed has been a problem for me is when I have to travel down a highway... That's when I could use another 15 mph or so. That is, 44 mph has been MORE than enough speed for traveling trails - there's evidence on my skid plate to prove that point