The 2002 arctic cat 660 4 stroke hit the snow at a time when the industry was just starting to peek over the fence at four-stroke technology. Back then, if you weren't burning oil and smelling like a two-stroke lawnmower after a day on the trails, people looked at you a little funny. This sled was part of that early wave that promised a quieter, cleaner, and more reliable way to ride, even if it meant giving up some of the snappy, lightweight feel we were all used to.
Looking back, it's easy to see this machine as a pioneer. It wasn't built for the guy trying to set land speed records or jump over a house; it was built for the long-distance cruiser who wanted to enjoy the scenery without a ringing in their ears. If you find one of these in a barn or on a classifieds site today, you're looking at a piece of history that, surprisingly, still holds its own for a specific type of rider.
The Heart of the Beast: That Suzuki Engine
When people talk about the 2002 arctic cat 660 4 stroke, the conversation always starts and ends with the engine. Arctic Cat didn't try to reinvent the wheel here; they went to Suzuki and grabbed a 660cc, three-cylinder, fuel-injected automotive-style engine. This wasn't a high-strung racing plant. It was essentially a "K-car" engine from Japan adapted for the snow.
Because it was based on a car engine, the longevity is just plain stupid. While your buddies on two-strokes were crossing their fingers that they wouldn't cold-seize or melt a piston at 5,000 miles, the 660 owners were just getting started. It's not uncommon to see these things with 10,000 or even 15,000 miles on the original top end. It's a "buy it once and forget about it" kind of motor.
The power delivery is linear and smooth. You don't get that sudden "hit" on the pipe like an old ZR 600 or 800. Instead, you get a steady pull from the moment you thumb the throttle. It's predictable, which is exactly what you want when you're navigating a tight, wooded trail or just cruising at 50 mph across a frozen lake.
The Sound of Silence (Well, Almost)
One of the biggest selling points of the 2002 arctic cat 660 4 stroke back in the day was how quiet it was. If you've ever spent eight hours on a screaming two-stroke, you know that "hum" you feel in your head for three hours after you stop. This sled changed that. It purrs. At idle, you can actually have a conversation with someone standing next to you without shouting.
This made it a huge hit with touring riders and folks living in areas with noise restrictions. It also meant you weren't the "annoying neighbor" when you started it up at 6:00 AM to head out for a sunrise ride. The lack of vibration was another huge plus. Four-stroke triples are naturally pretty balanced, so your hands and feet didn't feel like they were vibrating off the machine after a hundred miles of hard riding.
Living with the Weight
Let's be real for a second: the 2002 arctic cat 660 4 stroke is not a light machine. Four-stroke engines are heavy, especially those early automotive-based ones. Adding a radiator, more coolant, and all the plumbing required for a 4-stroke meant that this sled carried a lot of its weight right over the skis.
You really feel that weight when the trails get "whooped out." If you're hitting big bumps at high speeds, you're going to find the limits of the front suspension faster than you would on a lighter 2-stroke. It also means that if you get this thing stuck in deep powder, you better have a couple of strong friends or a winching system. It's not a mountain sled, and it doesn't pretend to be. It's a trail-going couch, and as long as you treat it that way, the weight is manageable.
To help with the handling, many owners over the years have experimented with different ski setups and more aggressive carbides. Because the front end is so heavy, it actually bites into the corners pretty well, provided you have the right setup to keep it from "pushing" through the turns.
Fuel Economy and Range
Back in 2002, gas prices weren't quite what they are now, but efficiency was still a big deal for those doing long-distance touring. The 2002 arctic cat 660 4 stroke was a fuel-sipping marvel compared to its contemporaries. While the big 800cc twins were guzzling gas and expensive injection oil, the 660 was just chugging along, getting significantly better mileage.
The best part? No more carrying jugs of oil or worrying about whether the gas station in the middle of nowhere has the high-quality synthetic you need. You just pump regular gas and go. Over a long weekend trip, the savings in gas and oil add up, but the real benefit is the peace of mind. You aren't constantly staring at the fuel gauge wondering if you'll make it to the next town.
Maintenance: The Good and the Bad
Maintaining a 2002 arctic cat 660 4 stroke is a bit of a mixed bag. On one hand, you don't have to worry about power valves getting carboned up or top-end rebuilds every few seasons. On the other hand, it's a more complex beast than a simple two-stroke.
You have to do oil changes, which involves more than just pouring a bottle into a reservoir. You've got a filter to deal with and a drain plug that isn't always in the most convenient spot. However, once that's done, you're good for the whole season.
The EFI (Electronic Fuel Injection) system on these was actually quite robust. It generally starts right up, even in the bitter cold, without the "three-pull-and-a-prayer" ritual required by older carbureted sleds. Just turn the key, let the fuel pump prime, and it fires right up. That reliability is a huge reason why these sleds still have a loyal following in the used market.
Who Is This Sled For Today?
If you're looking for a 2002 arctic cat 660 4 stroke today, you're likely in one of two camps. Either you want a super reliable "buddy sled" for guests to ride, or you want a low-cost, comfortable cruiser for yourself. It's an excellent choice for ice fishing, too, because it can tow a heavy sled without overheating or fouling plugs at low speeds.
It's also a great "beginner" sled for someone who isn't interested in the high-performance side of the sport. It's predictable, it's not going to jump out from under you if you accidentally blip the throttle, and it's comfortable enough for a full day of riding.
Final Thoughts on a Trail Legend
The 2002 arctic cat 660 4 stroke wasn't trying to be the coolest kid in school. It was the sensible one that showed up on time, did its homework, and never got into trouble. It proved that four-stroke technology had a place in snowmobiling, paving the way for the turbocharged monsters and high-revving triples we see today.
While it might feel a bit "vintage" compared to a modern-day chassis, there's a certain charm to the 660. It's a reminder of a time when the industry started to care about things like emissions, noise, and long-term durability. If you can find one that's been well-cared for, don't be afraid of the mileage. That Suzuki engine is probably just getting warmed up, and it'll likely still be humming along long after the newer, flashy sleds have been retired.
Sometimes, you don't need the fastest or the lightest machine on the mountain. Sometimes, you just want a sled that starts every time, keeps your ears from ringing, and lets you enjoy the ride. That's exactly what this Arctic Cat delivers, even two decades later.