Abstract: The research progress on carbon nanotubes reinforced aluminum matrix composite is introduced. By comparing the preparation processes and mechanical properties of the composite, incliding tensile strength, hardness and elongation, the advantages and disadvantages of powder metallurgy methods, high-energy ball milling method, the thermal spraying method and other new technologies are summarized. At the same time, some problems existing during preparing the composite and solutions are expounded. In addition, some strengthen mechanisms of carbon nanotubes were introduced. At last, the development directions and research focuses in future for the composite are pointed.