The game received positive reviews, frequently being compared favourably to Gran Turismo 4 and Forza Motorsport, in the aspects of cars on track, collision and wear damage.

The career mode progresses with various cutscenes featuring the player character's crew chief providing driving tips and general commentary.

Players can choose to qualify for races, which allows them to secure a position on the starting grid rather than being placed at the back.

When GameSpy closed in 2014 online multiplayer was subsequently made possible using the Free Tunngle Network but was shut down in April 2018 due to pending requirements of the new European General Data Protection Regulation.

A PlayStation Portable version entitled TOCA Race Driver 3 Challenge was released in February 2007.

Codemasters added additional damage elements for engine, suspension, axle and steering.

Johnathan Davis, designer on Race Driver 3 felt that in too many games "you start on the grid and either get left behind or your overtake the AI and go on to win.

[7] Codemasters interviewed real racing drivers to learn what challenges they would face on the track, such as judging braking distances.

[25][26][27][28] In Japan, where the PS2 version got a port on 24 January 2008,[29] Famitsu gave it a score of all four sevens for a total of 28 out of 40.