The Hollywood Reporter's Michael Rechtshaffen wrote that Sex Drive was "more typical than Judd Apatow," and that it should have been shorter given its lack of "freshness or inspired surprise." Joe Leydon of Variety, who called Sex Drive a "raunched-up, dumbed-down" version of Rob Reiner's The Sure Thing, predicted the movie would "fail on its own merits."The Hollywood Reporter: Sex Drive Review (September 10, 2008) Variety: Sex Drive Review (September 10, 2008)

Both Rechtshaffen and Leydon did, however, praise Seth Green's performance. Rechtshaffen in particular thought the "likable cast" was one of Sex Drive's few merits.The Hollywood Reporter: Sex Drive Review (September 10, 2008) Variety: Sex Drive Review (September 10, 2008)

Bill Goodykoontz of The Arizona Republic gave Sex Drive a favorable four out of five stars, writing that the movie "advanced" the "raunchy sex comedy" genre. Goodykoontz stated that because the characters "care about each other," it makes the movie "something more" than just a "funny" film.The Arizona Republic: Sex Drive Review (October 16, 2008)