If you are looking for a complete, "all-in-one" experience, these are the most highly-regarded community projects:
: A free modpack available on the Internet Archive that focuses on adding new mechanics, a massive number of cars, and improved "vanilla-style" graphics.
You can download Need for Speed: Most Wanted (2005) with mods through several popular community projects that transform the classic racing game into a modern experience. These packs typically include HD textures, widescreen support, and dozens of additional cars. Top Modded Versions for Download