GameAxis
- [7.5/10] Reviewed by: Adrian Lim. "For gamers who want a fresh driving game with cars that handle predictably and with enough variety to keep you playing for a long time..." (PC)
- http://www.gameaxis.com/articles/view.php?id=231

GameSpy.com
- [4/5] Reviewed by: Scott Osborne. "...NASCAR Thunder 2004 does so many things right that it's hard to complain about and easy to love." Includes screenshots. (PC)
- http://pc.gamespy.com/pc/nascar-thunder-2004/6267p1.html

GameSpot
- [8.8/10] Reviewed by: Frank Provo. "...the game will appeal to a wide range of NASCAR fans." Includes hints, screenshots, and reader reviews. (Xbox)
- http://www.gamespot.com/xbox/driving/nascar2004/review.html

GamingWorld X
- Preview by: Brian Williams. "With over 70 drivers, 175 authentic car skins, all 23 NASCAR tracks and 11 fantasy, Thunder should be a great game." (Multiplatform)
- http://www.gamingworldx.com/ps2/NASCARThunder2004.shtml

Sports Gaming Network - Xbox
- Reviewed by James Smith. "The deep career mode is deeper than versions past, and the additional game modes are the icing on the cake." [82/100]
- http://www.sports-gaming.com/racing/nascar_thunder_2004/review_xbox.shtml

IGN - Xbox
- Reviewed by Randy Magruder. "In short, the game is simply packed with playing modes and features, all of which look and sound great." [8.5/10]
- http://xbox.ign.com/articles/451/451095p1.html