Abstract: The mechanical properties of self-piercing riveted (SPR) lap joints in dissimilar metal sheets of aluminum 5052 and copper H62 were investigated by experiments. The force-displacement and load-life curves were obtained to characterize the joint properties. A mathematical statistic method was used to analyze the validity of the experiment data. The strength, stiffness, impact resistance, failure modes and failure mechanism of the joints were studied. Results show that the stiffness varies with load of the joint, but fatigue strength improves with the increase in stiffness. The static strength of SCC is the highest, SAA2 second, while SAC is slightly higher than SAA1. The static strength of SPR joints are influenced by the length of rivet, thickness and property of the sheets, and the effect of the upper sheet property is prominent. The effect of the lower sheet on impact resistance is prominent. The displacement at failure is related to the sheet thickness, and the failure mode is the rivet pull-out from the lower sheet. The failure strength of SCC is the highest, SAA2 is better than SAC. The fatigue strength is influenced by the slight slip, the thickness and property of the sheets. Joints of the same metal mainly fracture in the lower sheet, while joints of dissimilar metals fracture in the soft material.