Automobiles
Maisto mainly competed in 1:18 scale with Italian Bburago, Polistil and the more expensive Franklin Mint Precision Models. By 2000, a whole host of companies like Yatming, Ertl, AUTOart and even Mattel's Hot Wheels had entered the larger scale 1:18 fray and the market segment became more saturated and competitive. In the budget 1:18 scale category, many competitors left the market after the mid-2000s and Maisto faced little to no competition with the company moving upmarket itself with its Exclusive line of model cars featuring finer details than the more commonly available Premiere and Special Edition lines.[8]
Maisto scale models in 1:18 scale usually have opening features all around with adequately appointed engines and interiors. The models have nearly perfectly proportioned bodies and usually have excellently researched detail considering models are mass-produced in the hundreds of thousands and the fact that the brand belongs to the budget category of diecast scale models. Due to the mass manufacturing nature of the models, there are some inconsistencies and omission of finer details such as the paint application, which might be too thick or not uniform, and details that should be chrome are often painted silver. Body panels may be uneven, lights unrealistic, and the trim rather thick and gaudy. Muscle Machines magazine noted that the 1963 Dodge 330 Hemi was completely devoid of any indication of a gear shift of any type (even push button on the dash). Collectors wanting finer crafting in this size must look to AUTOart, CMC, or Exoto at the higher dollar end of miniature modeling.
1/64 scale Maisto die-cast models are comparable in quality and details to Matchbox, Hot Wheels and Johnny Lightning, but new models in this scale are not released very often. Even some models use similar castings from older Matchbox and Hot Wheels models. Newer lines offer vehicles in more customized themes. One such line is the AllStarz which features custom rims, special paint jobs, lowered suspension and super upgraded in-car entertainment systems. Another line is Pro Rodz which uses the same themes but consists of classic American muscle cars. Both lines are in direct competition with 'Jada Toys' 'Dub City' and 'Big Time Muscle' brands that started the 'bling' trends in auto toys.
Around late 2010, Maisto toys sold in Wal-Mart stores took on the name 'Adventure Wheels' on all Maisto packaging with red-orange and yellow gold box and blister pack colors with black trim.
Maisto produces many licensed properties that reflected contemporary promotional and industry trends. For example, it is an official licensee of Harley-Davidson Motorcycle Company. Chrysler is a big user of Maisto for promo models - one example was the offering of three different versions of the PT Cruiser (stock, sport and panel) made available first to auto journalists, but later sold normally in Walmart and other stores. The brand is popularly seen in Sam's Club and often makes exclusive editions of its model cars intended to be sold at the store which feature special paint schemes not commonly found on the regular variations of the model.
