Lets just get right to the point: What is the best NFS game?
I'm going to have to say Hot Pursuit 2. That game was just amazing all-around. I did have some fun with Wanted but the rest are just pure junk.
So who's with me on this one?

I liked hot pursuit 2 and wanted aswell.

Hot Pursuit 2 is the best for me. Driving fast exotic cars through stylish locales while being chased by the cops makes a wonderful experience.

I like Most Wanted the most.

Most Wanted is the best

I will have to say Most Wanted. Carbon was just a copy with some filters on it..

Need for speed III : hot pursuit and most wanted.

Most wanted, and hot pursuit 2 as it was my first NFS

I think the easy out would likely be Most Wanted.  That game was enjoyable on so many levels. 

My personal favorite, however, is probably High Stakes.  The driving was much stiffer, I felt, but it was rewarding and the Pursuit mode--where the player can control a cop vehicle--was a lot of fun.  I think the "High Stakes" game type would be something interesting online, and it's a shame that, since the game was originally released on the Playstation, it didn't get the credit I think it deserved.  The mode really added importance to the racing. 

I enjoyed hot pursuit 2 immensely at the time, but is hasn't aged well. It already seems really dated, and it was a PS2 game. Most wanted is probably my favourite.

need for speed 1 and most wanted

The image bellow shows my opinion  :P

The original NFS Underground

Need for Speed III: Hot Pursuit

Hot pursuit 2? duh?

2000+ views and only 15 posts? Weird.
 
Hot Pursuit 2.