Just my opinion based on riding ATVs since the mid 1990s . . . and being a Club President and knowing who has had problems and who has not had problems with their ATVs . . .
Random thoughts . . .
-- All ATVs break eventually . . . it's the nature of the game . . . but some definitely break more often or more often have major issues vs. minor issues.
-- To answer the OP's question . . . I do not have direct experience with the side by side sold by Cabelas, but personally I would recommend sticking with a more mainstream side by side (i.e. Honda, Yamaha, CanAm, Polaris, etc.) from the simple fact that most of these off brand side by sides are Chinese made (or Chinese made and assembled in the USA) and the quality is often suspect. They often mimic the mainstream brands, but much like buying an off brand saw or splitter, you get what you pay for in terms of quality. The real issue for me would be a) how do I get parts because I'm pretty sure Cabelas will not be stocking parts and b) who do I take it to if and when it breaks?
Several years ago one of our Club members got what she thought was a really good deal on some Chinese made ATVs. She had many issues with them and I don't think they lasted more than 2 or 3 years. I would rather spend a little more money and get something much better for long term use myself.
-- It wasn't asked, but folks have started talking about experiences and pros- and cons- of other brands. Here are a few of my opinions . . .
Polaris: I see a lot of Polaris ATVs and side by sides. Truthfully, I think they have some of the best styling and have a pulse on what consumers want to buy -- whether it is a two up ATV, affordable ATV, sporty side by side (Razr) or pure utility side by side (Ranger). They also have one of -- if not the best rides. Great colors and they pack a lot of very cool features in their machines. Prices are also generally pretty decent compared to many other brands and their performance ranks among the best . . . but . . . personal experience is that they tend to break more often (albeit mostly minor issues.) Some of their engineering choices stymie me . . . one reason I opted to not go with Polaris for last year's ATV purchase was with their decision to put the exposed battery down low near the front of the ATV where it seemed to me it would quickly get submerged in mud and exposed to the elements.
Honda: Honda = reliability. Plain and simple. These ATVs are near bullet proof unless they get some age or you abuse them. That said, you will pay for the reliability as they are quite expensive for what they are. They often lag behind other manufacturers when it comes to the bells and whistles such as power steering, independent rear suspension, true automatics, etc. . . . and when you compare apples to apples or ATVs to ATVs you will often find Hondas are more expensive, have less power and fewer features than comparable models. That said . . . these machines are meant to work and I truly believe they are some of the most reliable quads and side by sides you can buy.
Kubota, Deere, etc: This is a time when you really have to decide what you want. These machines can be quite good . . . quite good at what they are designed to do. Take a long hard look at your terrain. Having seen these types of side by sides in action I can say they can be very reliable, but generally they are not fast or a whole lot of fun on a trail. More over their ground clearance is generally not as good as other brands. The fire department where I work has a diesel Kubota which has been extremely reliable . . . but it has also been stuck before on more than one occasion when it has been used off road -- in some locations with more or less flat terrain or terrain where ground clearance is not as much of an issue this may not be a problem. What I've found is that the Kubota is excellent for use at our state fair, walking trails in the city and at the concerts . . . it is not as good for wildland firefighting which is why the fire department is now looking at possibly getting a Polaris for a second side by side.
Yamaha, Suzuki, Kawasaki: I more or less lump these together. I've found the reliability to be close to the Honda and a bit better than the Polaris line up. Features tend to be decent. Prices tend to be a bit more than Polaris, but cheaper than the Hondas. Styling varies and is of course a personal choice, but I think they look pretty good as a rule.
CanAm: Honestly I only know one guy who has a CanAm, so my experience here is limited. He likes it . . . it's a two up with gobs of power. He has had some issues -- very minor issues though -- and I suspect if asked he would say he would buy another one if push came to shove.
-- Final thought . . . as someone else asked, the biggest question you have to ask yourself is what you plan to do or want to do . . . and where do you want to go . . . and what do you value? For example, if I value reliability over speed, design and features and plan to do some trail riding along with work I would lean heavily towards the Honda. If I was going to do nearly all work and the terrain worked I would go with a Kubota, Deere, etc. If I was going to do more trail riding than work and valued the ride I might go with the Polaris line up.
One consideration . . . if you are looking at the Cabelas side by side due to the cost difference vs. Polaris, Honda, Kawasaki, etc. . . . you may wish to consider a traditional utility ATV. With my old Honda Foreman (and now Yamaha Kodiak) I pretty much use it for the exact same uses you mentioned: hauling firewood, plowing snow, yardwork and trail riding. There are some trade offs -- seating position, use of a thumb throttle vs. foot throttle, not enclosed, no side by side seating for a second passenger, but the cost is generally much cheaper and they tend to be more maneuverable.
. I told the wife that we can buy a used Ford Escape remove the doors & windows & save $8k & have the same thing. Old Mitsubishi Montero or Suzuki Sidekick would be the same principle, probably a better choice. Plus the Gator fits in the back of my pickup.
