Well, 8 acres isn't much for entertainment purposes. I used and abused an old Honda fourtrax 300 for work... ...those things are indestructible, great on fuel, will chug up anything in low gear, will tow a small trailer, push snow, etc. Where the Honda was lacking was the fun factor, it was locked into 4x4, had very little suspension travel, and though it was fun to rip through the gears it really was a dog for power.
My favorite personal ATV was a 05 Suzuki King Quad 700, single cylinder, Independent Rear Suspension, fuel injected. The Suzuki would work just as hard as the Honda but would also beat a 400ex in a race and do almost 70mph down the highway. The ride was great and while it doesn't land the softest you could jump it a little. Selectable 4x4 lets you hang the rear end out. It's got enough power to play in the mud and snow but the big single cylinder still got around 25 mpg which is good, the big v-twins will struggle to get into double digit mpg.
I also had a 02 Kawasaki Prairie 650. This one had a v-twin (sounds great and really moves), and solid rear axle. With the solid rear it would be better for a work ATV for pulling or carrying a heavy load. The Solid rear is also very stable for corners, and goofing around, it sucks for clearance and the ride isn't as good as IRS. The V-twin is addicting, it would really pull... ...just take extra fuel with you.
Personally I wouldn't buy a Honda, when you compare features/performance they just don't stand up to their competitors I can't quote stats specifically but for the same price you'll get a Honda with air cooled motor, carb., drum brakes, 3" of suspension travel compared to any of the other Japanese machines will have 150cc bigger motor, liquid cooled, FI, disc brakes, and 6" of travel. They charge a lot for the privilege of having H O N D A written on your tank.
I'd also stay away from Polaris but a lot of people buy them.
