Traxxas was founded by Jim Jenkins and David Katz in McKinney, TX, United States. They had a new concept of selling all their models as "Ready-To-Run" or "RTR." This meant the vehicles wouldn't have to be put together, they would be sold pre-built, thus ready to run.

In 1987 Traxxas released their first model, The Cat. The Cat was a 2WD, 1/10th scale buggy. At this point Traxxas was competing in races and gathering information from those races for their next release.

In 1987, alongside The Cat, Traxxas released the Fiero/GTP. The Fiero was a speed racer. There is very limited information on the Fiero but it seemed to be in collaboration with Pontiac, which at the time had a model named the Fiero. These two Fieros do not look similar though.

In 1988 Traxxas releases the Bullet with the improvement ideas they found were needed from The Cat. It was also 2WD and 1/10th scale.

In 1989 Traxxas releases the Sledgehammer, their first Monster Truck. It featured an enlarged heat-sync on the ESC to accommodate the extra weight, eight shocks (two for each wheel), and it was 2WD.

Traxxas releases their first RC boat, it is powered by dual stinger 20-turn motors and was 1/12th scale. It was equipped with heat syncs and was air-cooled but you were able to install an optional water-cooling kit. It is speculation the "IV" is because there were three attempts before this model that did not come to market.

In 1989, Traxxas releases the Hawk. A 2WD, electric competition truck.

Alongside the Hawk, Traxxas released the Radicator. These tow models shared many of the same parts, but the Radicator was "underwhelming" as most enthusiasts proffered the RC10 from Team Associated at the time. 

In 1990 Traxxas releases the TRX Eagle. There is very limited information on this model.

In 1990 Traxxas releases the Blue Eagle, an upgraded version of the TRX Eagle, like the TRX Eagle it featured 2WD, ball differential, coil springs filled with oil.

In 1991 Traxxas releases the Blue Eagle LS, an improved version of the Blue Eagle. The LS version had a wider chassis which completely changed the handling and performance of the vehicle. "LS" is speculated to stand for "Lone Star" as Texas is Traxxas' home state in the United States.

In 1991, Traxxas releases the TRX-1. The TRX-1 featured a ball differential, oil filled dampers and more. The TRX-1 would go on to win the 1992 R.O.A.R. championships in the US, France, Australia and New Zealand. 

In 1992 Traxxas releases a sequel to the Hawk, the Hawk 2. In stead of a ball differential, the Hawk 2 had a geared differential, oil filled shocks and more.

In 1992 Traxxas releases their first Nitro vehicle, the Nitro hawk. It featured a lot of the same parts from the Hawk 2, except with a Nitro motor instead of electric.

In 1993 Traxxas releases the TRX-3. The TRX-3 was more of a refresh of the TRX-1, although it was only available in an unassembled kit, one of the very few models offered as a kit-only.

In 1993 Traxxas releases the LS-II, an updated version of the Blue Eagle LS. 

In 1993 Traxxas releases the Nitro Buggy. Another Nitro model for their lineup. 

In 1993 Traxxas releases the Nitro Street, a Nitro-powered street racer. If you got the unassembled kit, it came with a Corvette body, but if you got the RTR, it came with a Traxxas body that seemed to be loosely based on the MK3 Toyota Supra. 

In 1993, Traxxas releases the Monster Buggy, another Nitro model. The Monster Buggy was a 1/6th scale buggy and definitely turned heads in the RC community. This was also when we started seeing their infamous logo on their models.

In 1994 Traxxas releases the SRT, a 2WD, electric racing truck. 

In 1994 Traxxas releases the Rustler, a 2WD electric stadium truck. It appears to be loosely based on the Dodge Ram at the time.

In 1994, alongside the Rustler Traxxas released the Stampede, a 2WD Monster Truck. It featured a Mabuchi RS-540S motor for a very short time, it was soon replaced by the Stinger 20T. It also featured a TQ radio system and a Magnum 272 Transmission.

In 1995 Traxxas released the Spirit. The Spirit used the Chassis originally designed for The Cat, becoming the truck version of The Cat. It featured a Stinger 20T motor, a TQ radio system, and a geared differential.

In 1995 Traxxas released the Blast. A 1/10th scale entry-level, electric speed boat. 

In 1995 Traxxas releases the Total Competition Package, or TCP for short. It was based on the same chassis as the TRX-3, although served as a more "expert" version of the TRX-3. It was only available in kit form.

In 1995 Traxxas introduces the Bandit, it was a 2WD buggy powered by a Stinger 20T. It was one of the first models to come out of the box with a ProGrahpix body. 

In 1995 Traxxas releases a Nitro-powered boat. It was able to hit over 20MPH. 

In 1996, Traxxas introduces a Nitro version of the Stampede. It came with a TRX-Pro15 Engine and later models came with Traxxas' EZ-Start. It later won "Truck of the Year" by RC Car Action Magazine. 

In 1997 Traxxas introduces the Street Sport, it came with a Stinger 20T motor and was marketed as an entry-level street racer. 

In 1997 Traxxas releases a Nitro-powered version of the Rustler.

In 1998 Traxxas releases the Nitro Sport, which seemed to be a refresh of the Nitro Rustler. 

In 1998 Traxxas released the 4-TEC, a 4WD, 1/10th scale speed racer. One of their first 4WD models. It was optional 4WD, and the 4WD was belt-driven.

Alongside the 4-TEC, Traxxas released the Nitro 4-TEC, a Nitro version of the model. It was also 4WD, and came equipped with the TRX-Pro15 engine with EZ-Start. It was voted "Car of the Year" by RC Car Action magazine a year later.  It was an optional 4WD, and the 4WD was belt-driven.

In 1999 Traxxas introduces the T-Maxx. It was a nitro-powered vehicle with optional 4WD. It had the TRX-Pro15 engine and a TQ3 radio system, with a 3rd channel to control forward and reverse action. 

In 2000 Traxxas releases the E-Maxx, an electric version of their T-Maxx. It featured dual Titan 550 motors and an ESC that featured forward and reverse capabilities. It also featured optional 4WD, the 4WD models had eight shocks. It won RC Car Action magazine's "Truck of the Year" a year later.

In 2002 Traxxas releases an updated version of the T-Maxx, the T-Maxx 2.5. It featured a lot of the same parts, with a few tweaks and improvements. The biggest difference was the new TRX 2.5 engine. 

In 2003, the Nitro Rustler gets an update, now featuring the TRX 2.5 engine.

In 2003 Traxxas introduces the Nitro Sport Special Edition. It featured the TRX-Pro15 engine and optional 4WD. The first few Nitro Sport SE's were sold in the old Nitro Sport box, with a "Special Edition" sticker, explaining the upgrades done to the Special Edition. 

In 2003, Traxxas updates the Nitro 4-Tec, now featuring the new TRX 2.5 engine. 

In 2003, Traxxas releases the SportMaxx monster truck. It featured optional 4WD and the new TRX 2.5 engine.

In 2004 Traxxas releases the S-Maxx, an updated version of the SportMaxx. It had updated styling and the TRX 2.5 engine. It was capable of 40MPH.

In 2004 Traxxas introduces the Revo 2.5R, a nitro-powered monster truck featuring optional 4WD and the new TRX 2.5R engine.

In 2005 Traxxas introduces the Jato. Another nitro-powered vehicle featuring 2WD and the new TRX 2.5R engine.

In 2006 the Stampede gets some major updates from Traxxas. It had the Titan 12T 550 motor, optional 4WD, and came with the new XL-5 ESC from Traxxas. This new ESC is completely waterproof, not water-resistant. There was a more budget-friendly version of the Stampede released alongside this one, all the same parts except it would not include the new XL-5 ESC.

In 2006, just like the Stampede, the Rustler gets some major updates from Traxxas. It had the Titan 12T 550 motor, optional 4WD, and came with the new XL-5 ESC from Traxxas. This new ESC is completely waterproof, not water-resistant. There was a budget-friendly version of this Rustler as well, not featuring the XL-5 ESC.

In 2006 Traxxas introduced the Jato 3.3, an updated version of the Jato with the new TRX 3.3 Racing Engine from Traxxas.

In 2006 the Nitro Sport is rereleased by Traxxas with updated styling and a few other tweaks. It had the TRX-15 Engine and the 281 magnum transmission.

In 2006 Traxxas introduced the Nitro 4-TEC 3.3, a new version of the Nitro 4-TEC with updated styling and the new TRX 3.3 engine. It could achieve speeds of over 70MPH. It went on to win "Best Nitro On-Road" from R/C Car Action Magazine in 2010 and 2014.

In 2006 Traxxas releases the T-Maxx 3.3 with updated styling and the new TRX 3.3 engine.

In 2006 the T-Maxx is also rereleased with the TRX 2.5 Racing engine. It also had some new features such as the torque control slipper and the Revo Spec driveline.

In 2006 Traxxas released the T-Maxx classic, it came with a lot of the simplicity of the first generation T-Maxx, and the TRX 2.5 engine.

In 2006 Traxxas releases the Revo 3.3, and updated version of the Revo with the new TRX 3.3 engine. It had optional 4WD, geared differentials and a two speed transmission.

In 2007 the Bandit is rereleased with the new XL-5 ESC, the Titan 12T 550 Modified motor, and updated styling.

In 2007, alongside the updated Bandit, Traxxas also released the Bandit VXL, a brushless version of the Bandit. It had the Velineon 3500 brushless motor, the VXL-3s ESC, and the 272 Magnum transmission. It was capable of 70MPH.

In 2007 Traxxas releases the Stampede VXL, a brushless version of the Stampede featuring the Velineon 3500 motor, the VXL-3s ESC, and was capable of 65MPH.

In 2007 Traxxas releases the Rustler VXL, a brushless version of the Rustler with updated styling. It had the Velineon 3500 brushless motor, the VXL-3s ESC, and the 272 Magnum transmission. It had optional 4WD.

In 2007 the Nitro Rustler is rereleased with the TRX 2.5 engine and new ProGraphix paint.

In 2007 the Nitro Stampede is released by Traxxas, it was only available in 2WD and featured the TRX Pro.15 engine.

In 2007 Traxxas rereleases the E-Maxx with updated styling. It came with a brushed Titan motor, dual servo steering system and was capable of 30MPH. This was one of the few models Traxxas offered that came with batteries.

In 2007 Traxxas releases the Slash, arguably one of the most game-changing trucks in the history of RC. The Slash was a 2WD short course truck. It featured the Titan 12T 550 Modified motor, and the XL-5 ESC, making it capable of 30MPH.

In 2008 Traxxas releases the Revo Platinum. It was a special edition of the Revo for experienced enthusiasts to commemorate the national championships the Revo had won for Traxxas in the past. 

In 2008 Traxxas releases the Slayer, a Nitro version of the Slash. It featured 4WD, the TRX 3.3 Racing engine and was capable of 50MPH.

In 2009 Traxxas releases the Summit, their first rock crawler. The Summit featured the Titan 775 motor, the EVX-2 ESC with forward, reverse and braking capabilities. It had 10 factory installed LED lights, and the 4WD had T-Lock, which were remote locking differentials.

In 2009 Traxxas released the Slash 4x4 Platinum. It was a 4WD, brushless version of the Slash released in the previous year. It came with a blank body that you could paint yourself.

In 2009 the Nitro Sport is updated with new styling and paint options.

In 2009 the S-Maxx 3.3 is introduced. It featured the TRX 3.3 motor, was 2WD and was capable of 45MPH.

In 2010 the Slash VXL is released, a brushless version of the Slash. It was equipped with the Velineon brushless power system, had optional 4WD and was capable of 60MPH.

In 2010 Traxxas released an electric version of the Revo, the E-Revo. It was equipped to handle a 6S power system, it was capable of 65MPH with optional gearing but 50MPH right out of the box.

In 2010 a lot of models were updated to feature the new Traxxas TQi radio system. This new system would allow you to place your iPhone or iPod Touch on the remote and would allow you to tune the vehicle directly from your phone with the Traxxas Link app. It would allow you to save tunes to use on other vehicles and reuse over and over again. The models were the Jato 3.3, Nitro Rustler, Revo 3.3, T-Maxx 3.3, Slayer Pro 4x4, Bandit VXL, Stampede VXL, Stampede 4x4 VXL, Rustler VXL, E-Maxx, E-Revo, Summit, and the Slash.

In 2011 Traxxas released a special version of the Slash featuring the Ford F-150 Raptor SVT body.

In 2011 Traxxas introduced the XO-1, an RC supercar. The XO-1 featured the Traxxas/Castle Big Block Brushless Motor and the Mamba Monster Extreme ESC from Castle. It was 4WD and had dual CV driveshafts. It had a 100MPH top speed, which would be the first Ready-To-Run RC ever to achieve that. It could reach 60MPH in 2.3 seconds and 100MPH in under five seconds from a complete stop, making it the fastest RC car in the world. 

In 2012 Traxxas releases the Rally. It featured the Velineon 3500 brushless motor, the VXL-3s ESC, and was only offered in 4WD.

In 2012 Traxxas introduced Traxxas Stability Management or TSM for short. TSM was a new feature in the Traxxas models that would control the car for you. It works with sensors inside the receiver, sensing the vehicle's movements and direction. It would take into consideration the commands from the remote and try to correct any slides so the vehicle would behave just as the remote is commanding it. It was only compatible with TQi with a multi-function knob, you would use this knob to control how aggressive TSM behaved. It virtually eliminated sliding and fish-tailing when set to 100%. 

In 2012 Traxxas releases the Nitro Slash, a nitro version of the Slash. The Nitro Slash was 2WD, featured the TRX 3.3 engine and had TSM. 

In 2012 Traxxas introduced the Funny Car. It was a replica drag/funny car. It had the Traxxas ET-2400 Brushless motor, paired with the Castle/Traxxas ET-3s. It had a limited slip differential and extremely sticky belted tires.

In 2013 Traxxas released the Telluride. It featured the Titan 12T 550 motor, the XL-5 ESC, and it was 4WD. It was marketed to be easily tunable, with differentials that could be tuned by adding different viscosities of oil inside them.

In 2014 Traxxas filed a lawsuit against HPI Racing over their design of a waterproof receiver box that featured a rubber seal. Unfortunately we could not find any information on how this lawsuit concluded, although we do speculate it was concluded in favor of Traxxas.

In 2014 Traxxas teamed up with Castle to produce the MXL-6s Brushless power system which was completely waterproof when you removed the fan from the ESC. It was featured in a new version of the E-Maxx.

In 2014 the XO-1 is updated, now featuring TSM and some new paint schemes. Traxxas also removed the batteries that came with the vehicle, you now had to buy them separately. 

In 2015 Traxxas introduces the X-Maxx one of their most impressive models to date. The X-Maxx was a 4WD MAXX scale Monster Truck, there is no official scale other than MAXX, but that is speculated to be 1/5th. The X-Maxx was powered with the Velineon 1600XL Big Block Brushless Motor and paired with the VXL-6s ESC. The X-Maxx also featured Traxxas' new pinless body mounting system, instead they used clips that just snap in.

In 2015 Traxxas tried their hand in air vehicles with the Aton drone. The Aton was powered by a 3S Lipo battery system. Aton was marketed to be a durable, easy-to-use drone, that could capture some great footage.

On July 12th, 2016 Traxxas filed for "Patent Infringement Action" against Hobbico and its subsidiary, Arrma. One vehicle specifically named in the lawsuit was the Arrma Nero 6S BLX. Traxxas claimed they had violated multiple patents. These patents were related to shock position, LED Light Bars, Center Mounted Servo/Protection, and E-Boards. In response, Arrma removed the Nero from their lineup in North America. This later led to all existing parts affected in the lawsuit to be surrendered by Arrma and Hobbico to Traxxas in the North American market. 

In 2018 Hobbico filed for bankruptcy, with most of the blame going toward the Traxxas lawsuit. 

In 2016 Traxxas releases the Bigfoot Monster truck. It was modeled after the original Bigfoot Monster Truck, but was meant to depict what it would like in modern day 2016. It featured the Titan 12T 550 Modified motor, the XL-5 ESC, the Magnum 272 Transmission and it had optional 4WD.

In 2017 Traxxas released the Bigfoot No. 1 modeled after the original Bigfoot Monster Truck. It was 2WD, had the Titan 12T 550 motor and XL-5 ESC. This was a pretty big hit for enthusiasts as it was very detailed and offered great scale realism, but could also hit the jumps and race through the mud track just like a regular Monster Truck.

In 2017 Traxxas updated the Rally with a licensed Ford Fiesta ST body. It featured the Titan 12T 550 Modified motor and the XL-5 ESC.

In 2017 Traxxas brought back the Funny Car, this time with TSM. The Funny Car was a 1/8th scale drag car/funny car powered by the ET-3s Power System created by Castle and Traxxas. It could reach speeds of 70MPH, and won R/C Car Action Magazines "Car of the Year". It worked with the DTS-1 Timing System (released by Traxxas earlier), this would allow the vehicle to "creep" up to the start line of the DTS-1. The DTS-1 could also record the length of time the race took, and the speed of the vehicle at the time of finish. 

In 2017 Traxxas debuted the 4TEC 2.0, a completely revamped 4TEC. They released a brushless and brushed version, the brushed model had versions that were sold with or without a body, the 4TEC 2.0 VXL (brushless version), was only available without a body. The brushed version featured a Titan 12T 550 Modified motor, the XL-5 ESC and was 4WD. The VXL featured the Velineon Brushless power system, with the VXL-3s ESC, and was 4WD. The VXL also featured Traxxas Stability Management. The brushed model was capable of 30MPH, and the VXL was capable of 70MPH.

In 2017 Traxxas introduced the TRX-4, it was an all-new scale 4WD rock crawler. It featured the Titan 12T 550 motor, paired with the XL-5 ESC. It also featured T-Lock which were Traxxas' remote-locking differentials. As well as a hi/lo gear transmission, that was also remotely controlled with the TQi 4-channel radio system. This TRX-4 was released with the Land Rover Defender body. 

In 2017 Traxxas updated the Bandit VXL with new styling and updated parts. It featured the Velineon 3500 Brushless motor, paired with the VXL-3s ESC, and it was capable of 70MPH.

In 2017 Traxxas updated the Rustler VXL with new styling and updated parts. It featured the Velineon 3500 Brushless motor, paired with the VXL-3s ESC, and it was capable of 70MPH.

In late 2017 Traxxas released the TRX-4 Tactical Unit, which just featured different wheels and a SWAT style body. 

In early 2018 Traxxas debuted the Unlimited Desert Racer (UDR), a true-scale short course truck. It featured a 2200Kv Motor from Traxxas paired with the VXL-6s ESC. It came with an extra completely functional driveshaft, and two full-size functional spare tires mounted to the back. It was detailed to the extreme, even having a complete roll-cage underneath the body, giving it a more realistic look when jumping and cornering. The batteries were replaced by a hatch underneath the vehicle that allowed the batteries to slide in. It also featured factory-installed lighting all the way around. The UDR was a big hit for Traxxas, with some criticism of how difficult it was to work on, with the full-size roll cage.

In 2018 Traxxas released a new body for the TRX-4, a 1978 Ford Bronco body.

In 2018 Traxxas released a more budget-friendly version of the TRX-4, named the TRX-4 Sport. The Sport model came with the same Titan 12T motor, and XL-5 ESC, but without the hi/lo gear transmission and T-Lock and without a licensed body, instead opting for a custom body from Traxxas. Traxxas did not cut any corners on the design and durability of the vehicle, the Sport model was still very capable and durable. 

In 2018 the 4WD Rustler and Rustler VXL is updated with new styling and some minor tweaks.

On June 6th, 2019 Traxxas filed a lawsuit against Skullduggery Inc. over their product named "MAX TRAXXX". Traxxas claimed the toy RC cars from Skullduggery infringed on their trademarks for the "TRAXX" and the "MAXX" lineup. Skullduggery filed the Motion that the court lacks the jurisdiction over Skullduggery and moved for dismissal. Later that year the lawsuit was dismissed on the basis of Forum Non Conveniens.

In 2019 Traxxas released a new body for the TRX-4, a 1979 Chevrolet K5 Blazer.

In 2019 Traxxas released the TRX-4 TRAXX. It was equipped with Traxxas' new TRAXX, which were track-like wheels. It came equipped with all the same features as the TRX-4, and the TRAXX could also be purchased separately. 

In 2019 Traxxas released the TRX-6, a 6WD crawler based on the TRX-4 platform. It came with all the same features, the 21T 550 Motor and the XL-5HV ESC. It though does have one extra locking differential. The TRX-6 was based on the Mercedes-Benz G 63 AMG 6x6.

In 2019 Traxxas released a new body for the TRX-4, a Mercedes-Benz G500 4x4.

In 2020 Traxxas released their new Sledgehammer tires, and started pairing them with popular models such as the Rustler, X-Maxx and others.

On June 5th 2020, Traxxas filed a lawsuit against Maclan Racing over its new model the MMax ESC. Traxxas was suing them in connection with the name similarities of the MMax ESC from Maclan and the MAXX lineup from Traxxas. The lawsuit eventually led to Maclan recalling all products with the word "Max" in their name and not being allowed to have any other products featuring the name "Max". It is speculated Traxxas purposely filed the lawsuit outside of their district and Maclans district, to better their chances of winning the lawsuit, however, we could not find any information proving this to be true.

In 2020 Traxxas releases the Hoss. A 4WD brushless monster truck. It featured the Velineon Brushless power system with the VXL-3s ESC.

In 2021 Traxxas releases a new body for the TRX-4, a 2021 Ford Bronco Sport body. It featured the new pin-less body mounting system.

On February 2nd, 2021 Traxxas files a lawsuit against HBO over their new HBO Max subscription service claiming it could cause a "likelihood of confusion". This was because of Traxxas' MAXX lineup. This was a confusing lawsuit from fans of Traxxas and HBO, given the fact HBO applied for the name "HBO Max" and was approved back in 2017 and there was no response from Traxxas at that time. It wasn't until HBO applied for the same trademark in the International Class 28. This lawsuit is still ongoing as of June 2022, we will update this article when possible.

In 2021 Traxxas releases the Drag Slash, a 1/10th scale electric drag car. It featured the Velineon 3500 Brushless motor paired with VXL-3s ESC. It was 2WD and had the Traxxas trans brake, it also featured TSM for perfectly straight-line racing. All these were paired with the new Magnum 272R Transmission. Its body was modeled after a 1967 Chevrolet C10 pickup truck.

In 2021 Traxxas released the Factory Five Hot Rod. It featured the Titan 12T 550 motor and the XL-5 ESC. There was a pickup model and a coupe model, based on old 1930/40's hot rods.

In March of 2022 Traxxas releases the Sledge, a 1/8th scale 4WD Monster Truck. The Sledge came equipped with the Velineon 2000Kv Brushless motor paired with the VXL-6s ESC. It featured the Traxxas 347 Servo, torque-biasing center drive, and was capable of 70MPH.

In 2022 Traxxas introduced a new version of the TRX-6, a flatbed hauler that could tow other 1/10th scale RC cars. It featured all the same features as the first TRX-6, just with a completely different tow truck style look. It also featured factory-installed lighting, as the first TRX-6.

On August 24th, 2022 Traxxas unveiled the TRX-4 High Trail Edition, it came with all the same goodies as the TRX-4 but it has been lifted. It comes with the Chevrolet K10 Cheyenne body with clipless body mounting, a slightly longer wheelbase and over an inch more ground clearance than the regular TRX-4. 

On October 26th, 2022 Traxxas unveiled the XRT. The XRT was basically the speedy version of the X-Maxx, featuring an 8S power system paired with a Vilineon 1200XL motor, and with optional included gearing it is capable of 60MPH.