In late 1989,
Video Games & Computer Entertainment reported that over 400,000 copies were sold. The game received generally positive reviews from video game critics.
Computer Gaming World stated in 1987 that
Test Drive "offers outstanding graphics and the potential to 'hook' every
Pole Position fan". David M. Wilson reviewed the game for the magazine in 1988, stating that "there may be more competitive racing games on the market, but this game combines the enjoyment of driving five of the most exotic sports cars in the world with outrunning 'Smokies' on mountain highways. What more could a race car junkie (or arcade fan) ask for?!"
Compute! praised the excellent graphics and sound but noted that the game only had one course. The game was reviewed in 1988 in
Dragon #132 by Hartley, Patricia, and Kirk Lesser in "The Role of Computers" column. The reviewers gave the game 4 out of 5 stars.{{cite magazine ==Legacy==