If you were asked the question, 'Which car do you see on the road and instantly think," Yeah, this person is definitely a big jerk?"' What would you say?
That's the question posed by Reddit user maxfreem and put on AskReddit recently. He used a different word than 'big jerk,' but this is a family website, and you can probably guess what the word is or click on the link to find out for yourself.
He asked, "Which car do you see on the road and instantly think, 'Yeah, this person's definitely an (expletive)?"
The results of the question or survey were interesting and surprising. As my title suggests, the Tesla Cybertruck was the overwhelmingly #1 answer to the question. Stick around for number two on the list. It will leave you scratching your head.
Imagine Most Drivers Today
If you are like many drivers, including me, you've based your opinion of a driver on the kind of car they drive. It could be someone who cuts you off or weaves in and out of traffic and then passes you on the inside lane, going over the speed limit.
Yesterday, I was waiting in a long line of traffic due to a construction zone, and I saw a motorcycle driving between all the cars, passing everyone, and reaching the head of the line. So, are all motorcycle riders now jerks? We lump them all in a category that we don't like. It's not right, but most of us do it.
The same applies to the Tesla Cybertruck (unless you own one).
The Tesla Cybertruck is the number one vote-getter in the AskReddit question, with over 11,000 votes.
u/LazuliArtz says it's the Tesla Cybertruck. "Even ignoring the whole political implications, it's just an ugly car. Who looks at that and is like, 'Yes, I want a car that looks like it came from the PS2 low poly era.'"
FTownRoad - "We're trying to teach my four-year-old not to use the word ‘stupid.’ So, we were driving the other day, and she saw a Tesla Cybertuck, and she said, "What is that?!" And I said, "It's a truck," and she said, "It looks really stupid," and I said, "Yes, yes, it does." Some lessons are more important than others."
RubiDarlin says, "Totally what I was going to say…or just Teslas in general. I do have a special hatred toward the Cybertrucks, though."
Burghpuppies412 - "I kinda feel bad for people who bought Teslas for the right reasons years ago and now have all that baggage in the truck. But yeah, the rolling hotel icemaker, for sure."
Why is the Tesla Cybertruck So Disliked?
The Cybertruck is often disliked due to its unique, futuristic design, which many find unappealing and disruptive. Additionally, the truck's high price point, a departure from original specifications, and issues with quality control have contributed to negative sentiment.
Finally, Elon Musk's controversial public statements and actions have also negatively impacted the vehicle's perception.
Insidehook says, "It's not going to be for everyone." That's how Elon Musk first pitched the Cybertruck in 2019, in what may have been the understatement of the century. Five years later, now that the electric pickup is finally being made, delivered, and driven by actual paying customers, it's clear that this vehicle is why they coined the phrase "love it or hate it."
Quora user Riley Ikni says, "The CyberTruck has a really disruptive design, even if we were 'prepared' for it through all the Sci-Fi movies and series. Some people may not be able to understand it."
Here's a more detailed breakdown of why owners of the Cybertruck are the number one most misunderstood and disliked vehicle drivers on the road:
- Design and unconventional appearance: The Cybertruck's angular, boxy design is a significant point of contention. Some find it futuristic and innovative, while others view it as ugly, impractical, and even reminiscent of a futuristic "Fort Knox."
- The Cybertruck is often described as "dystopian" or "monstrous," and this perception is a major point of contention.
- "Ugly" Label: Many people find the design visually unappealing, even compared to the notoriously ugly Pontiac Aztek.
Elon Musk and Tesla Controversies:
- Elon Musk's Political Statements: Elon Musk's public statements and political leanings have generated negative sentiment towards Tesla and the Cybertruck.
- Anti-Musk Protests: Anti-Musk protests and calls for boycotts have led to instances of vandalism and harassment directed at Cybertruck owners.
- Tesla's Reputation: Some view Tesla and the Cybertruck as part of a larger narrative of wealth disparity and ostentatious displays of wealth, further fueling negative perceptions.
- Marketing and Promises: Elon Musk has been criticized for making unrealistic promises about the Cybertruck's capabilities, such as its "near infinite" towing capacity and the ability to "briefly serve as a boat."
Conclusion:
In essence, the Tesla Cybertruck's controversial nature is a complex interplay of its unique design, production challenges, the controversies surrounding Elon Musk and Tesla, and other factors that have led to widespread negativity and backlash.
- Anti-Tesla Sentiment: A growing wave of anti-Tesla sentiment is emerging, partly fueled by Elon Musk's public statements and actions. This has led to vandalism and protests targeting Cybertrucks and Tesla dealerships.
- Political Polarization: The Cybertruck has become a symbol of political polarization, with some viewing it as a "lib" car and others as a "MAGA" truck. This has further divided public opinion and contributed to the negativity surrounding the vehicle.
Ok, Now For the Head-Scratcher
The second most popular answer to the question is "Carolina Squats," with nearly 8,000 votes.
So, what is a "Carolina Squats" vehicle?
J.D. Power says a "Carolina Squat" is a type of truck modification where the front end is significantly lifted higher than the rear end, creating a noticeable angle. This is often done for aesthetic appeal, but it raises safety concerns due to reduced visibility and potential handling issues.
Elaboration:
- Appearance: Carolina Squats are characterized by the front of the truck being raised, sometimes to the point where it looks like the vehicle is pointing upwards.
- Safety Concerns: The raised front end can impair visibility for the driver, making it harder to see pedestrians, cyclists, and other vehicles, especially at intersections and when changing lanes.
- Handling Issues: The modifications can also affect handling, potentially making the truck more difficult to control and increasing the risk of accidents.
- Legality: Many states have laws or are considering laws to prohibit or restrict Carolina Squat modifications, citing safety concerns. For example, Mississippi prohibits operating a vehicle with a front bumper more than four inches higher than the rear bumper.
Polkawillneverdie17 says, "Is this really a thing? I've never been to either North or South Carolina, but that is so damn stupid and unsafe. Apparently, it's a Southern thing. Another reason to stay away."
Final Conclusion:
We all stereotype drivers based on the car or truck they drive. Right or wrong, most of us do it. I've spoken to many Tesla Cybertruck owners, and they are some of the nicest people you'd want to meet.
How Would I Answer the Question?
I would vote for the truck or sports car owner with an aftermarket exhaust who likes to prove he is the loudest. Even worse, when they are on their way to work at 6:00 am.
William Shakespeare summed it up nicely.
"Love me or hate me, both are in my favor. If you love me, I'll always be in your heart... If you hate me, I'll always be in your mind."
How About You?
If you were asked the question, Which car do you see on the road and instantly think, 'Yeah, this person's definitely a big jerk?', what would you say? Click the red Add New Comment link below and join the conversation.
Check out my #1 Tesla Cybertruck story: My Tesla Cybertruck Just Drove Itself Back To the Dealer Because of the Heavy Debt I Owe, Come Back Cybertruck
I am Denis Flierl, a Senior Torque News Reporter since 2012. My 30+ year tenure in the automotive industry, initially in a consulting role with every major car brand and later as a freelance journalist test-driving new vehicles, has equipped me with a wealth of knowledge. I specialize in reporting the latest automotive news and providing expert analysis on Subaru, which you'll find here, ensuring that you, as a reader, are always well-informed and up-to-date. Follow me on my X SubaruReport, All Subaru, WRXSTI, @DenisFlierl, Facebook, and Instagram.
Photo credit: Denis Flierl
