User Score
8.6

Generally favorable reviews- based on 91 Ratings

User score distribution:
  1. Positive: 76 out of 91
  2. Negative: 11 out of 91
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  1. Mar 27, 2023
    9
    20 Years Later... Still THE Greatest NASCAR Console Game to date! Sad that this is the peak so far 9/10
  2. Aug 20, 2022
    9
    Probably one of the best simcade racers out there still. Great career mode, fun but easy to understand physics, and other various features makes this great. The only reason why this isn't a 10 is due to a handful of bugs that are sometimes unavoidable (ex: have a caution come out while pitting on a 10% race on a plate track, and see how the AI like it).
  3. Apr 8, 2022
    10
    This game gets a solid 10/10. The physics, the graphics, the features, the soundtrack, and also the driver roster is pretty solid for a game that's way ahead of it's time.
  4. Nov 29, 2015
    10
    This game probably is the best EA sports Nascar game, with fun gameplay great graphics, 4 players local co-op , an amazing carrer mode and the lighting challenge mode with is still amazing today
  5. Aug 10, 2014
    8
    This game is probably one of the better NASCAR games in terms of difficulty and just how much fun it is. It might not be for the intended purpose but wrecking your opponents going the wrong way around the track is very fun and addicting. This game got me into NASCAR when I was younger.
  6. JamesT.
    Dec 15, 2006
    8
    This game is bettter than 2007 but 2003 still beats it.
  7. jewseph
    Sep 1, 2005
    10
    I give it no hands down a f*$%ing 10.
  8. RacnChampTRG
    Jul 15, 2004
    1
    EA sports sucks this game sucks just as much as the first one.
  9. BrandonW.
    Jul 9, 2004
    10
    Man, if you're a NASCAR fan you'll love this game. The NASCAR Thunder games prior to this were good, but the vengeful tactics of the AI racers makes you a little more wary of how you're driving. This game is the best of the best and i can't wait 'til NASCAR Thunder 2005 comes out.
  10. JonathanG.
    Jun 2, 2004
    10
    I loved it. I olny wish you could drive into the pits on your own!
  11. LoganH.
    Jan 17, 2004
    10
    I love the game but i wish you could go in to the garage area or drive down the pits.
  12. Yoyofromthedilliyo
    Oct 23, 2003
    10
    A nascar fan would not be disappointed, everything is great about this game...the only problem being never enough time to play. Raines fan???lolololololol
  13. TaylorK.
    Oct 21, 2003
    10
    Once again EA Sports & Tiberon have created yet another masterpiece. this game has so many features that it draws you in,the lightning challenge was a little to easy as it took me less than two hours to get to the bonus round. Out side that this game plain kicks --- as for White boy and Wynads, you two should go back to making hogendaise and milkshakes cause you don,t know alot about Once again EA Sports & Tiberon have created yet another masterpiece. this game has so many features that it draws you in,the lightning challenge was a little to easy as it took me less than two hours to get to the bonus round. Out side that this game plain kicks --- as for White boy and Wynads, you two should go back to making hogendaise and milkshakes cause you don,t know alot about nascar. maybe you should break out the Atari and play pong again.EA Sports keep up the good work and i,am sure your fans will remain dedicated.Again thanks for another great year of Nascar. Expand
  14. PamelaM.
    Oct 8, 2003
    10
    Awesome... love how the drivers look like the guys!
  15. ChrisC.
    Oct 4, 2003
    9
    Good sound game just one problem it froze up on me when with 3 players the winston race would not load.
  16. GoogalyM.
    Oct 1, 2003
    10
    Wish I could give it an 11, Oh Man this game rocks! We need more Lynyrd Skynyrd though ! I'm a billy and I love THIS GAME ! ! !
  17. MikeB.
    Sep 26, 2003
    9
    I gave this game a 9 because i thought it was the greatest nascar game out to date. Grudge matches are great. EA Sports you did a great job. And for the message from the white guy how bout you learn how to spell before you go and diss on EA Sports.
  18. WhiteGuy
    Sep 25, 2003
    7
    Wow dude ea u guys did awesome cuz this game is about 1 step from being great. wait no its not its the same as last year and u say ebay cuz i am sling it right away.
  19. Whyrad
    Sep 25, 2003
    1
    Should have went to Papyrus for nascar game rights. not even close to real like Papyrus was with there last nascar game. Not close to Nascar Heat either.
  20. JonathanE.
    Sep 24, 2003
    10
    Finally some real racin not a bunch of cars goin in one line around a track. BUMP N' RUN.
  21. DerekB.
    Sep 24, 2003
    10
    Well I just got the game and I think it's great. watching all that can happen is great. building your career up and watching it grow is cool and I like the grudges and alliances part. I think it's a great game and it has already passed 03 as the better game (and 03 was great)
  22. MikeG.
    Sep 24, 2003
    4
    The game is ok, but is missing one thing for me...TONY RAINES. im a big raines fan and i cant believe he is the only full time driver not available.
  23. LiamO.
    Sep 23, 2003
    6
    Has a nice look, but that really doesn't cut it. Handling is not good. The Grudge/Alliance AI is not so great either (why do 6 drivers give me a -40 when they hit me as part of a wreck i had nothing to do with?) Also...i gotta ask...what exactly do the drafting, passing, and blocking plates do? Some explanation might help on that one.
  24. ScottE.
    Sep 23, 2003
    10
    I race cars in real life and this is by far the best and most realistic racing game i have ever had the pleasure of playing.
  25. NateB.
    Sep 20, 2003
    10
    Love this game, the graphics are unbeleiveable and the game play is so smooth. I highly recommend this game!
  26. CarlB.
    Sep 20, 2003
    10
    I bought Nascar Thunder 2004 yesterday, and I am very impressed, it has great new features and is a great game!
  27. BJCook
    Sep 19, 2003
    10
    I can't wait to get it! I can play this forever! and i do't even have it yet! Nobody is better than EA Sports! You guy's Rule!
  28. PatrickD.
    Sep 18, 2003
    10
    I'm a huge nascar fan and from what I'm heard and read about on websites and stuff that Nascar Thunder 04 will be totally awesome! EA Sports you guys are freakin genius.
  29. MarkO.
    Sep 17, 2003
    7
    Still not as great as the Papyrus releases for the computer; it lacks in realism factors.
  30. AJmacgyver
    Sep 17, 2003
    10
    This game is going to be the best Nascar game yet. No one can do better than EA. THUNDER ROCKS!!!

Awards & Rankings

16
36
#36 Most Discussed PS2 Game of 2003
Metascore
88

Generally favorable reviews - based on 15 Critic Reviews

Critic score distribution:
  1. Positive: 14 out of 15
  2. Negative: 0 out of 15
  1. 85
    Does an excellent job of representing the sport that it is supposed to replicate – the trouble doesn’t really lie in EA – it stems from a sport that is shallow - painfully repetitive to watch and even more so when you’re playing.
  2. 88
    As long as you don't come in expecting any serious realism in the driving model, there are many ways to play and enjoy this title...The game is simply PACKED with playing modes and features, all of which look and sound great.
  3. Fanatics will tweak tire pressure, suspension, and build dynasties, alliances, and sponsorships; rookies can learn the nuances of drafting, passing, and holding position on dozens of real-world tracks.