In the recent decade, growth of the natural fiber reinforced polymer (NFRP) composite has made a considerable impact on the polymer composite research and innovation. This rapid growth warranted their properties over low-cost synthetic fiber composites and reduced environmental impacts. As these materials have potential applications in the various engineering sectors, considerable efforts have been made to improve their performance. In recent year’s various modifications were introduced in the natural fiber composites which increased their capability. The aim of this review is to highlight the trends in the research and development on NFRP and its performance from the year 2000–2019. This review article covers current research efforts on the NFRP fabrication, its properties such as mechanical strength, tribological, water, and chemical resistance behaviour, thermal effects, biodegradability and machining characteristics along with their trends, challenges and prospects in the field of NFRP.