What the Honda Builder Does
Honda's online builder is a tool on Honda's website where you pick a model, choose colors, wheels, interior materials, and features, then see the price and what that exact vehicle would look like. You do not buy anything through it — you are configuring a vehicle to show a dealer or to understand what options cost. The builder shows you real prices for your region, real available colors for each model year, and real option packages Honda actually offers.
The tool works the same way whether you are building a Civic, CR-V, Accord, or any other Honda model currently sold. You start by selecting which model interests you, then move through color, trim level, and optional features one screen at a time. At the end, you get a summary page with the full price, a list of every option you selected, and usually a button to email the configuration to yourself or send it to a nearby dealer.
Key Takeaways
- The Honda builder is free and does not require you to enter personal information or contact details until you choose to email your configuration to a dealer.
- You can build multiple configurations and compare them side by side to see how different options and trim levels affect the final price.
- The prices shown include the manufacturer's suggested retail price (MSRP) for your region, but do not include dealer markups, taxes, or destination charges.
- Once you have a configuration you like, you can save it, print it, or send it to a dealer to use as a starting point for negotiation.
Finding the Builder on Honda's Website
Go to Honda.com and look for a link labeled "Build and Price," "Build Your Honda," or "Configure" — the exact wording changes by year, but it is usually near the top of the page or in the main navigation menu. Click it and you will land on a page showing all current Honda models with a button or link next to each one.
Select the model you want to build. The page will ask you to choose a model year — usually the current year and the next year if it has been announced. Pick the year you are interested in, then click "Start Building" or a similar button. The builder will open and show you the first choice: exterior color.
Choosing Color, Trim Level, and Wheels
The builder walks you through decisions in a set order. First comes exterior color — Honda shows you a photo of the actual vehicle in each available color so you can see how it looks in realistic light. Click the color you want and move to the next screen.
Next is trim level. Honda models come in different trims — for example, a CR-V might come in LX, EX, and EX-L. Each trim includes different standard features and has a different base price. The builder shows you what features come standard in each trim, so you can see what you get for the price difference. Select your trim and continue.
After trim comes wheels. Most trims offer a choice of two or three wheel designs. The builder shows you a photo of the vehicle with each wheel option and lists the price difference, if any. Some wheel options cost extra; others are included. Pick the wheels you want and move forward.
Adding Optional Packages and Individual Features
Once you have chosen the basics, the builder shows you available option packages and individual features. These vary by model and trim level. An option package bundles several features together at a lower total price than buying them separately — for example, a "Technology Package" might include a larger touchscreen, wireless phone charging, and a premium sound system together.
You can add entire packages or skip them and pick individual options instead. The builder shows the price of each package and each standalone option. As you add things, the total price at the top of the screen updates in real time so you always know what you are spending.
Common options across Honda models include leather seats, sunroof, all-wheel drive (on some models), upgraded infotainment systems, and safety feature packages. Read the description of each option carefully — sometimes what sounds like one feature is actually several bundled together, and sometimes an option requires another option to work.
Understanding the Final Price and What It Includes
When you finish building, the builder shows you a summary page with your complete configuration. The price shown is the MSRP — the manufacturer's suggested retail price — for your region. This is Honda's recommended price, not necessarily what you will pay.
The MSRP includes the base vehicle price plus the cost of every option and package you selected. It does not include destination charges (the cost to ship the vehicle from the factory to the dealer), taxes, registration fees, or dealer markups. Different dealers may charge different prices above MSRP, and some may offer discounts below it.
The summary page also lists every single feature you selected, organized by category. This list is useful to bring to a dealer or to compare against other configurations you have built. Some builders let you print this page or save it as a PDF.
Saving and Sharing Your Configuration
Most Honda builders include a button to save your configuration, email it to yourself, or send it directly to a dealer. If you click "Email to Dealer," the builder will ask for your name, email address, and zip code so it can find nearby dealers and let you choose which one to contact. You can also usually just email the summary page to yourself by taking a screenshot or printing it to PDF.
Saving your configuration is useful if you want to come back to it later, compare it to other builds, or show it to someone else. Some builders let you create an account to save multiple configurations, though this is not required to use the tool.
If you send your configuration to a dealer, expect them to contact you within a day or two. They will use your build as a starting point for a quote and may ask whether you want to order that exact vehicle or explore other options. Having your configuration ready makes the conversation faster and more specific.
What to Do After You Build
Your configuration is a reference tool, not a binding order. Use it to understand what features cost, what combinations are possible, and what the total price looks like before you talk to a dealer. You might build several different configurations — one with all the options you want, one with fewer options to see the price difference, one with a different trim level — and compare them.
When you are ready to buy, bring your configuration to a dealer or mention it when you call. Dealers can order a vehicle built exactly to your specifications, or they may have similar vehicles already on the lot. Your configuration gives the dealer a clear picture of what you want and makes negotiation more straightforward because you are both looking at the same vehicle.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I order a Honda directly through the builder?
No. The builder is a configuration and pricing tool only. To order a vehicle, you must work with a Honda dealer. You can send your configuration to a dealer through the builder, or print it and bring it to a dealer in person.
Does the price shown include everything I will pay?
The price shown is the MSRP for your region and includes the base vehicle plus every option you selected. It does not include destination charges, taxes, registration, dealer fees, or any markup the dealer adds. Ask the dealer for a full quote that includes all of these.
Can I change my configuration after I save it?
Yes. If you saved it in your account, you can log back in and edit it. If you emailed it to yourself, you can start a new build from scratch. There is no limit to how many times you can build and rebuild.
What if I want a color or option that does not show up in the builder?
The builder shows only options and colors Honda currently offers for that model year. If something is not there, it is not available. Talk to a dealer if you want to know whether a discontinued color or option might be found on a used vehicle or special-ordered.
Do dealers have to honor the price the builder shows?
Dealers must honor the MSRP shown for the base vehicle and options. However, they can charge destination fees, dealer fees, and markups above MSRP. Some dealers offer discounts below MSRP. Always get a written quote from the dealer before you commit to a purchase.