Pervious concrete (PC) has gained renewed interest in the past decade due to its positive environmental impacts. Extensive research employing a variety of strategies has been conducted to improve the overall performance of PC. Numerous literatures have been published. With the advances in high performance pervious concrete (HPPC), widespread application of this material has been made possible. This paper reviews the state-of-the-art and state-of-the-practice research and application of PC. Emphasis has been laid on the pore system characterization (PSC) and its influence on the mechanical, hydraulic and acoustical properties of PC. Among the various applications of PC, this review focuses on its application as a sustainable pavement construction material.