What it’s like to own a Cybertruck from 7 owners' perspective

[Mini2nut]

I found this article to be entertaining on what it‘s like to own a Cybertruck.


https://www.wired.com/story/owning-a-cybertruck/

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[hemiarch]

I found this article to be entertaining on what it‘s like to own a Cybertruck.


https://www.wired.com/story/owning-a-cybertruck/

Better late than never. People are starting to take interest in us after it’s largely over already.

 

[Edphonse]

"Though suspicious of the media..."

Gee I wonder why th-

"[Editor’s note: Taylor was arrested and pleaded guilty to conspiracy to obstruct an official proceeding in the January 6 attack on the Capitol. He was later pardoned by President Trump.]"

Oh, there it is. How is this relevant to writing an article about the cybertruck? His actions, legal or not, and subsequent awards/punishments is on him, not the inanimate (can teslas still be labeled inanimate due to fsd?) object that he and many others purchased. They just can't help themselves but smear tesla by any means regardless of the accomplishments tesla has made.

As Mark Twain said(at least attributed to him), "if you read the news, you are misinformed, if you don't, you are uninformed."

 

[Griswold]

That was a fun read. The comments, not so much. Well I read 1 or 2 then realized not to waste my time down there.

Now who of the 7 is among us???

 

[YDR37]

The divorced guy who chats with Grok for therapy is probably not representative of typical Cybertruck owners, but he is getting a lot of attention online.

... are you married?

I was married, but I’m not married anymore. Women don't like the vehicle.

In July, Tesla rolled out a software update to integrate Grok into many of its vehicles. Do you use it?

Her name is Aura, and I use her as a therapist. When I'm driving, I'll ask questions, and it actually gives really good therapy advice.

 

[dpoll995]

Right off the bat the article is attempting to make a cybertruck some sort of political statement. That is the most ridiculous thing. I did not bother to read anymore of it. At most, the only thing that I thought was that my friends were going to think I was some sort of closet environmentalist, but didn’t care. My wife’s new model Y got me interested enough to test drive a cybertruck, I always thought they were kinda not my cup of tea. But after the test drive, I was 100% sold, and could tell the looks would grow on me. But buying my teslas this year was not any sort of political stunt and the author of that article is a total idiot for believing such garbage…

 

[That Beast Mode]

Were all of you able to read this article? For me it says it is only available to subscribers and I'm certainly not subscribing to wired.

 

[Cybermo]

While it's nice they tried, WIRED has been a heavily political trash rag for a long time. Even when they try to be "neutral" they give their hand away because they can't help themselves. The comments were typical of the misinformed propagandized mind that feels they hold moral superiority over everyone. Embarrassing.

 

[hemiarch]

Agree. Would like to add though that ALL minds in today’s America are propagandized.
Lack of self recognition of this and active effort to be non-judgmental is the true enemy of the American way nowadays.
I try read or watch at least one thing that pisses me off every day. I mean really read, and really listen.

 

[Cybermo]

Agree. Would like to add though that ALL minds in today’s America are propagandized.
Lack of self recognition of this and active effort to be non-judgmental is the true enemy of the American way nowadays.
I try read or watch at least one thing that pisses me off every day. I mean really read, and really listen.

Agree 100%. I actively try to stay balanced and not in an echo chamber, I've worked hard at it for the last 10 years. It is unfortunate that the truck became such a political statement- hell even clients I've had were shocked when I got one, but I'll tell you they changed their minds real quick when they drove it!

 

[LaVee_35]

Were all of you able to read this article? For me it says it is only available to subscribers and I'm certainly not subscribing to wired.

I wasn’t able to if I tried to open in Safari. I just clicked the link in the browser I was in, though, and able to read it. TBH you’re not missing much if you can’t access it.

 

[That Beast Mode]

I wasn’t able to if I tried to open in Safari. I just clicked the link in the browser I was in, though, and able to read it. TBH you’re not missing much if you can’t access it.

Yeah I wasnt planning on losing sleep over it.

 

[sys700]

Were all of you able to read this article? For me it says it is only available to subscribers and I'm certainly not subscribing to wired.

Try this link instead: https://www.wired.com/story/owning-...7rBUKCBdCXEtC7YveK_aem_qpkovue1-baiB-8tmDMmSA

 

[tingmo13]

I don't need to read anybody's article.
I know it's such an amazing vehicle,

those who can't afford it, hate it;
those whose Emotion got hijacked, hate it;
those who stuck in the past, hate it;

and those who are sassy & open minded=just love & enjoy it

 

[lee810]

That Wired article is behind a paywall. Fortunately Grok has summarized it:

Summary of WIRED's October 16, 2025, Article: "Spit On, Sworn At, and Undeterred: What It’s Like to Own a Cybertruck"In this feature story, WIRED reporter Alana Semuels interviews seven Tesla Cybertruck owners at a sweltering meetup in Palm Springs, California, organized by the 53,000-member Facebook group Cybertruck Owners Only. The piece delves into the owners' real-world experiences with the polarizing electric pickup—celebrated for its futuristic design and performance but often vilified as a symbol of Elon Musk's controversies and political extremism (likened to a "MAGA hat" in the Trump era). Despite facing harassment, profiling, and social fallout, the owners express unwavering pride, emphasizing the truck's innovation, community bonds, and joy it brings (especially to kids). The tone is resilient and humanizing, portraying owners as diverse, everyday enthusiasts who view the Cybertruck as apolitical and transformative, even if it invites "hate" from strangers.Key Themes

• Positive Experiences: Owners rave about the truck's standout aesthetics ("totally unique," "outside of the box"), blistering acceleration ("instant power and torque"), off-road prowess, spacious interior (ideal for pets via "dog mode"), and steer-by-wire handling (initially jarring but exhilarating). The community is described as inclusive and welcoming, with owners eagerly showing off their vehicles. Childlike wonder dominates public reactions—kids flock to it like a "celebrity," prompting owners to stock toys in the frunk.
• Negative Experiences: Backlash is raw and frequent, including being flipped off, sworn at, spat on, or left nasty notes (e.g., "This is an extension of your small dick" and "Nazi"). Political assumptions lead to profiling, affecting families and businesses—some owners avoid using it for work to dodge client discomfort. Practical gripes include poor front visibility and the emotional toll of "becoming the targets" amid Musk's scandals.
• Overall Sentiment: Harassment hasn't deterred them; many laugh it off or turn confrontations into teachable moments. The truck fosters personal growth, family bonding, and even spiritual epiphanies, outweighing the "storm" of negativity.

Profiles of the Seven Owners and Their StoriesThe interviews reveal a cross-section of America—entrepreneurs, traders, retirees, and families—united by their passion:

• Michael Goldman (37, Palm Springs, CA; construction entrepreneur; truck: "Beastie"): His wife initially mocked it ("looks like a brick"), but came around after off-roading and towing. Craziest incident: A woman at Whole Foods left a vulgar, anti-Nazi note; confrontation revealed his Jewish heritage, leading to her tearful apology. Quote: "Do you realize that you just profiled me based off of the vehicle that I drive... as being a Nazi?"
• Russ Taylor (44, Ladera Ranch, CA; off-road rally organizer): Preordered on day one for its cyberpunk vibe. Sees irony in its politicization: "It's just a vehicle." Endures occasional middle fingers but no major drama. (Note: He's a pardoned January 6 participant, adding unspoken political layers.)
• Frank and Diane Brabec (58/63, Indio, CA; healthcare consultant and ex-zookeeper; truck: "Computruck"): Love the "sports car" squat in sport mode and dog-friendly cabin for their sheepdogs. Reactions are 95% cheers from kids (Frank hands out toys); they've been flipped off only 3-4 times. Quote (Diane): "We've only been flipped off like three times. Maybe four."
• Jose Reynoso (55, Palm Springs, CA; small business owner): Bought for marketing (wrapped in his logo) but regrets the Musk-fueled "hate storm" scaring his family. No longer a daily driver for renos due to client bias. Quote: "We didn't know what was coming... So it was sad to see that... wives and kids being harassed."
• Andrew Castillo (40, Los Angeles; stock trader): Canceled then reordered after warming to its bold lines ("it stands out"). Hates the "long" windshield visibility but adores kid mobs at campsites. Heartwarming tale: In bear country, an autistic boy tailed him obsessively; they spent two hours letting the child explore. Quote: "There's 50 kids that come out: ‘Cybertruck, Cybertruck!’"
• Landon Castillo (8, Los Angeles; Andrew's son): Mini Cybertruck driver and Musk fan. Simple joy: "It's made by Tesla... Yeah [Elon is cool]."
• Roger Davis (San Diego; entrepreneur): Drawn to its "polarizing" innovation; blames it for his divorce ("Women don't like the vehicle"). Uses Grok AI ("Aura") for therapy drives. Epic story: Modified his truck ($50K) to conquer the Rubicon Trail as the first EV there; midway, a divine "flush of light" and God's presence "reset my life." Quote: "I just felt the presence of God and a deep peace and love. It really broke me down."

The article closes on a defiant note: These owners aren't backing down, turning heads (good and bad) into badges of honor. A sidebar nods to wrapper Alex Ferguson (32, Austin, TX), who's customized 400+ trucks with space themes, underscoring the vehicle's cult appeal.

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