The 2005 Honda W.O.W. Concept Let Dogs Drive with Brainwaves

Back in 2005, Honda did something wonderfully unexpected. They rolled out a concept vehicle so quirky, so heartwarmingly bizarre, it still makes auto enthusiasts and dog lovers alike do a double take. Enter the Honda W.O.W. Concept—short for Wonderful Open-hearted Wagon—a vehicle seemingly born from the fever dream of a dog whisperer and a car designer on a coffee-fueled brainstorming binge.

This pint-sized minivan, shorter than a Honda Civic and just as city-friendly, wasn’t just built for humans—it was built for dogs. Not in the “Sure, your pet can come along too” kind of way. No, the W.O.W. was designed from the ground up with your pooch riding shotgun… or maybe even piloting.

Let’s start with the basics. Measuring a modest 157 inches long with a wheelbase of 2680 mm, the W.O.W. was tailor-made for the narrow streets and tight parking spaces of Japan. Sliding doors at both ends and barn-style rear openings made getting in and out a breeze—whether you had shopping bags or a Saint Bernard in tow.

Inside, things got even more delightful. The W.O.W.’s wooden floor and flexible seating allowed you to reconfigure the interior to seat up to six people—or one large dog who insists on riding in the middle. The second-row seats could even morph into a canine lounging zone, complete with covers to protect the upholstery from fur, drool, and joyful paw prints. A built-in dog storage bin in the dashboard provided a cozy nook for smaller pups or pampered chihuahuas on the go.

But wait—it gets better.

The star feature? The Canine Brain Receiver. Yes, you read that correctly.

In what may be the most gloriously absurd use of concept tech ever devised, Honda introduced the CBR, a brain-wave transponder that could interpret a dog’s line of sight and translate it into navigational data. In theory, this meant your dog could “steer” the vehicle by simply looking in the direction it wanted to go. Want to chase a squirrel? Just look left. Want to visit the park? Stare hard enough, and you’re on your way.

And in case you're wondering—no, this wasn’t real. Honda made it crystal clear that no canines were actually captaining concept cars down the highway. They also noted, with a wink and a nudge, that even if the system had worked, there were no legal liabilities to worry about. After all, dogs can’t be sued.

Beyond the sci-fi-level pet piloting tech, the W.O.W. also came dressed to impress. Asymmetrical rear doors added a dash of design daring, while whimsical twisted scarlet "springs" served as side lights and brake lights. The whole thing looked like a cheerful space shuttle designed by a dog groomer with a flair for modern art.

Though the W.O.W. never made it to production (a tragic loss for dog-kind and the entire auto industry, frankly), it lives on as one of the most imaginative and joyfully strange concept cars Honda ever unleashed on the world. It wasn’t practical. It wasn’t market-ready. But it was a celebration of companionship, creativity, and a slightly unhinged belief that maybe—just maybe—your golden retriever has better instincts behind the wheel than your average driver.

In the end, the Honda W.O.W. didn’t just make us smile. It made us dream—of a world where dogs drive cars, no one gets sued, and every vehicle comes with a built-in treat dispenser.