Friction stir welding (FSW) represents an eco-friendly and energy-efficient method of solid-state welding. It is widely used in joining different materials like aluminium, copper, nickel, titanium, etc. along with their alloys, which is difficult to join using conventional fusion welding techniques. Various investigations were done on the quality characteristics of the FSW process. Only limited studies have been made in developing FSW for automobile applications to achieve lightweight designs and to attain best performance. Various combinations of materials are used to join by considering different process parameters to influence the weld quality as well as to enhance various mechanical properties. From earlier studies, it is found that the joint strength and mechanical properties of multiple combinations of similar or dissimilar materials change with the change of the FSW welding parameters. FSW parameters are tool geometry, tool rotation, traverse speed, joint design, angle of spindle/tool tilt, weld speed, depth, tool pin profile, etc. Failure loads, tensile strength, micro-hardness along with grain size characteristics are also examined at certain welding speeds and rotational speeds of the tool. In this work, the influence of different welding parameters on the characteristics of weld is identified. This paper also summarizes various types of works carried out on different types of aluminium and its alloys suitable for automobile applications.