A recent Axios Harris Poll 100 survey reveals a steep decline in Tesla’s reputation, dropping the electric vehicle (EV) giant to 95th place among America’s 100 most visible companies in 2025. Once a darling of the EV industry, Tesla’s fall from 8th place in 2021 to 63rd in 2024, and now near the bottom, signals challenges that could impact EV owners and the broader industry.

Tesla’s Reputation Nosedive: A Closer Look

The Axios Harris Poll, conducted annually with around 16,500 U.S. adults from 2015 to 2025, measures public perception of major companies. Tesla’s reputation score dropped to 61.3 in 2025, placing it in the “poor” category, down from “excellent” in earlier years. The poll highlights Tesla’s last-place ranking in “character” and near-bottom scores in “ethics” and “citizenship.” Meanwhile, SpaceX, another Elon Musk-led company, ranks slightly better at 86th with a score of 66.4, categorized as “fair.” X (formerly Twitter), also under Musk’s leadership, sits at 98th with a score of 59.8, reflecting a similar downward trend since Musk’s 2022 acquisition.

Tesla’s Reputation Plummets In 2025 Axios Harris Poll: What It Means For Ev Owners

Why the Decline Matters for EV Owners

Tesla’s reputation slide stems largely from Elon Musk’s polarizing political activism, according to Axios. The poll notes a 28.7% difference in perception between Republicans and Democrats, suggesting political divides influence public opinion of Musk’s companies. For EV owners, this shift could affect Tesla’s brand loyalty and resale value. Tesla vehicles, once seen as symbols of innovation, now face scrutiny over ethical and character concerns tied to Musk’s public persona. Owners might also encounter skepticism from peers, especially as competitors like Toyota (ranked 4th, score 80.6) and Honda (ranked 13th, score 78.9) outperform Tesla in reputation.

Industry Trends: EVs Under Pressure

The EV market remains competitive, with six automakers ranking higher than Tesla in the 2025 poll. Toyota and Honda lead the pack, while Ford, the lowest-ranked automaker, still sits at 62nd, well above Tesla. This suggests that traditional automakers are gaining favor, possibly due to their focus on reliability and broader appeal. Tesla’s focus on cutting-edge tech, like its Full Self-Driving (FSD) system, hasn’t shielded it from reputational damage. The company’s failure to respond to Axios for comment further fuels perceptions of disengagement, potentially alienating EV enthusiasts who value transparency.

Operational and Economic Implications

For Tesla owners, the reputational hit could have practical consequences. Dealerships might offer lower trade-in values for Tesla models, reflecting diminished brand prestige. Additionally, Tesla’s focus on autonomous driving tech, such as the Cybercab robotaxi unveiled in late 2024, might face heightened regulatory scrutiny if public trust wanes. Economically, Tesla’s stock could feel the pressure—its market performance often ties to Musk’s public image. Owners of Tesla’s Model 3, which starts at around $42,000 USD, or the Model Y, starting at $44,000 USD, might see long-term ownership costs rise if brand depreciation accelerates.

What’s Next for Tesla and the EV Market?

Tesla’s reputation crisis underscores the need for the company to address public perception, particularly around ethics and citizenship. While its tech innovations—like the 4680 battery cells promising a 16% range increase (up to 370 miles for a Model Y)—keep it at the forefront of EV development, Tesla must rebuild trust to maintain its edge. For EV owners and enthusiasts, the 2025 Axios Harris Poll serves as a reminder that brand reputation can shape the ownership experience as much as performance specs. As the EV market evolves, Tesla’s ability to navigate this reputational turbulence will determine its standing among competitors and its appeal to the next wave of electric vehicle adopters.