Tesla Cybertrucks have been a point of contention ever since their official debut at the end of 2023. 

Many generations of vehicles have garnered unwanted attention for their unlikely appearances, such as the three-wheeled Reliant Robin, the Nissan Cube and the PT Cruiser. For better or for worse, instead of judging the cars for how well they performed, people remember them for being out of the ordinary.

The Tesla Cybertruck has earned a similar reputation. 

“It makes me think that someone’s goal was to take their kindergarten drawing of a truck and make it a real truck,” said Kell Carpenter, associate director for access services for the GCSU Ina Dillard Russell Library. 

Many students share the same sentiment of the vehicle being ugly. However, some students report hating the Tesla Cybertruck more than any previous odd-looking vehicle, due to issues in Cybertruck production quality and mechanical failures. 

Tesla Cybertrucks have had recalls, misaligned body plates, problems with aero wheel covers coming off, accelerator issues and rusting, among other issues. Carpenter suggested that the Cybetruck values form over function, but many believe the function is poor as well.

“I’ve seen many reports of them not being built well,” said Asher Balmes, a sophomore English major.  “Not to mention the infamous time when Elon Musk was showing the window’s durability off and someone threw a ball through the window and broke it.” 

Carpenter also noted that there was a recall with Tesla Cybertrucks over residual soap, which was used as an unauthorized lubricant, being left on the accelerator pads, causing them to stick. Other students pointed out the notoriety for explosions Tesla Cybertrucks have had due to its lithium battery and the water leakage issues. 

Some say the Tesla Cybertruck is outright dangerous. 

“The slanted window and shape of the hood make it hard to see over it,” said Hannah Beth Chapman, a sophomore history major. “It’s so dangerous for children if they haven’t been hit already. Other cars do what it does but better.” 

Many students have issues with false advertising or false promises when it comes to the Tesla Cybertruck. 

“The Cybertruck will be waterproof enough to serve briefly as a boat,” Elon Musk, the co-founder and CEO of Tesla. 

The Cybertruck has been advertised as a durable, off-road vehicle. Despite claiming to be waterproof, the vehicle has had rusting issues due to the lack of proper coatings and has even become completely immobilized and dysfunctional after going through a puddle. 

“It’s a scam, they advertise it as being bulletproof, but I saw a video where they shot it and there were bullet holes all through the door,” said Cameron Carland, a freshman exercise science major.

GCSU students and staff also had moral and ethical qualms with supporting Musk or the culture behind the Tesla Cybertruck. 

“Elon Musk wants technology that doesn’t need to exist,” Balmes said. “Some of the stuff he’s doing is good but a lot of it is not. I’d go so far as to say most of it is not. Just drive an SUV or a Sedan.”

Tesla Cybertrucks are not hated by everyone, however.

“Cybertrucks are the future but we aren’t ready for it,” said Roberto Bojorquez, a senior management major. 

Bojorquez said the Tesla Cybertruck is eccentric and fun, likening it to a toy for adults. He continued that innovation often has issues like manufacturing defects and other issues. 

“The Cybertruck is polarizing,” said Sam Friedman, a freshman biology major. 

Carpenter believes there’s always a segment of the car market where people hate the car, but there is an intense core group that loves it.