Adenovirus vaccines have been used for years in the military setting, and have been shown safe and effective in preventing outbreaks of acute respiratory disease. Since their identification in the 1950’s, a wealth of information has accumulated on the biochemistry and molecular biology of their replication and functioning, and on the biology of their interaction with host cells. Due to several unique features, they have been heavily exploited for both gene therapy and vaccine approaches, and several vector systems have been developed to allow their efficient use for gene delivery. Recent studies on both HIV and SIV adenovirus recombinants in non-human primate models have demonstrated a potential for adenovirus vectors as vehicles for AIDS vaccines. Here we review relevant literature which leads to the conclusion that this vaccine approach merits further development and holds promise for an effective AIDS vaccine.