Tesla Cybertruck Owner Says, “Toyota Was Once Hated In America, Buyers Were Ridiculed and Insulted For Driving a Japanese Car, Now, My Cybertruck Is In the Exact Same Situation”

Many people in America have an extreme hatred for the Tesla Cybertruck. Why? Here is one Cybertruck owner's viewpoint. 

It's not only Elon Musk's political views; the controversial Tesla Cybertruck was hated before the recent political events. This story, where I will take excerpts from Marcus Reno, a Tesla Cybertruck owner, explains what is going on in America now with the Cybertruck. 

Consider Toyota's journey, from a small, disliked Japanese automaker to the world's top-selling automaker. In the U.S., it transformed from rejection to dominance. The Tesla Cybertruck is now at a similar crossroads.  

On the Tesla Cybertruck Owner's Facebook page, Marcus says, 

"In the late 1950s and 1960s, buying a Toyota in America wasn't just unpopular but outright hated. People who drove Japanese-made cars were ridiculed and insulted. They were called unpatriotic, accused of betraying American automakers, and in some cases, their cars were vandalized."

Does this sound familiar?

"Toyota wasn't just an underdog—it was the enemy in the eyes of many. The hate campaigns would have been at the next level if the internet had existed. But time proved the haters wrong."

"Toyota didn't just survive—it became the #1 automaker in America for years, with millions of people who once mocked it now swearing by its reliability. The brand that was once a joke became the gold standard."

The Cybertruck's Similar Battle

Marcus says, "The Cybertruck is winning people over, just like Toyota did—real-world exposure is changing minds. More people are seeing it, learning what it can do, and understanding that it's not just hype—it's the future of trucks."

"But let's be real—it has also taken a massive step backward recently. Not because of the truck itself, but because of political backlash against Elon Musk."

The Tesla Cybertruck is the most American-made vehicle.

"And here's the irony. The Cybertruck is the most American-made vehicle on the road today. More U.S.-sourced parts, more U.S. labor, more U.S. innovation—yet it's still facing the same kind of rejection Toyota once did."

It is the most recognizable vehicle on the planet.

"The Cybertruck is the most recognizable vehicle in the world, so it's the easiest target for people angry at Tesla's CEO. It takes the brunt of that backlash." 

"But guess what? It's tough. It can handle it."

"Just As Toyota endured its early struggles and proved its worth over time, the Cybertruck is poised to do the same. This isn't a political statement—it's the birth of one of the most game-changing vehicles ever made. And time will reveal its greatness."

Time Will Tell—Just Like It Did for Toyota

Marcus concludes, "Toyota went from being hated and mocked to dominating the U.S. market. The Cybertruck is facing its own wave of rejection now—but what will history say about it in 10 years? Ask an owner. They'll tell you."

What does Elon Musk say?

Musk (@elonmusk) says, "To be frank, there is always some chance that Cybertruck will flop because it is so unlike anything else. I don't care. I love it so much, even if others don't. Other trucks look like copies of the same thing, but Cybertruck looks like aliens made it from the future."

Owners sound off in the Facebook comments.

Brian Lowder says, That was 20 years after the war, so you only have 19 years and 11 months left before it gets down to that level of hatred.

Reddit users sound off on the Tesla Cybertruck

Richard Chesler - I appreciate the willingness to take risks when every vehicle today is an F-150, Suburban, or Rav4. We need some new design concepts out there.

Heidenreich12 - To answer your question, yup. I've been in one a handful of times, and it's also an enjoyable car to drive. The only thing I'm holding out on is more range option for better hauling.

It amazes me how polarizing this vehicle is that people who don't like it spend so much time talking about how they don't like it. It reminds me of the early days of Apple vs Android and the insane lengths people who don't plan on purchasing something care about other people's buying decisions.

And lastly,

boyWHOcriedFSD - I own one. I really like it. I've had it since March. Until the last two months or so, 99.9% of the reactions I got, and there were literally hundreds, were positive. People chased me to ask about it enthusiastically, rang my doorbell, stopped in the middle of the road to take pictures, ran up to it to pose next to it, etc.

I've begun getting way more negative responses from people. Many people are doing the "L" hand gesture (two today), immediately scowling when they see it, or yelling rude things.

I always keep driving or give a thumbs up back, but I would like to stop and ask these people what on earth they are doing. We all know the reason why people are responding the way they are, but I don't want to derail the thread. It's childish behavior if you ask me. These days, we judge books by their cover.

What if I gave you the finger because you drive a Subaru? in front of my kids? Great example. Get a life! Polarizing is the right word, that's for sure.

Conclusion:

Like many Toyota owners, Tesla owners are loyal and passionate about their vehicles. However, Cybertruck owners are a different breed and are at the forefront of the latest technology and vehicle design language. It puts them squarely in the bullseye for ridicule, insults, and even vandalism, as Toyota did in the 1950s and 1960s, but they wouldn't have it any other way. 

It's Your Turn

Do you own a Tesla Cybertruck? What is your experience? How often does someone approach you with skepticism? How many people have you talked to who walked away with a completely different opinion? Click the red Add New Comment link below and let us know. Your story is important to tell.

Check out my Tesla Cybertruck story: My Tesla Cybertruck Has Been Compared to a UFO, Refrigerator, Tank, Door Stop, and a Dumpster, I Like That It Disrupts Expectations

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