You can configure and order a Honda directly through Honda's website or work with a dealer to build a custom vehicle before purchase
Honda offers two main paths to build your own vehicle: the online Honda Build and Price tool on Honda.com, and working with a local Honda dealer who can order a made-to-order car. The online tool lets you select body style, trim level, exterior color, interior color, and available features in real time, then shows you the estimated price and fuel economy. A dealer order gives you access to factory options that may not appear in the online configurator and handles the financing and delivery logistics.
The online configurator is fastest for seeing what's available and getting a price quote. A dealer order takes longer — typically 8 to 12 weeks from order to delivery — but gives you more control over exact specifications and may unlock regional or dealer-specific incentives that don't show online.
Key Takeaways
- Honda's Build and Price tool on Honda.com shows real-time pricing and fuel economy as you add options, and generates a quote you can take to a dealer or use to compare prices.
- Dealer orders bypass the configurator and let you request specific factory options, colors, and packages that may not be available in stock; delivery typically takes 8 to 12 weeks.
- You can order through any Honda dealer, not just the one nearest you, and dealers can often explore local rebates or incentives that the online tool does not show.
- Once you place an order, Honda assigns it a factory build sequence and you receive tracking information so you can monitor production and delivery status.
Using Honda's Online Build and Price Tool
Start at Honda.com and select "Build and Price" from the main navigation. Choose your model — Civic, Accord, CR-V, Pilot, or another current Honda line — then pick your body style (sedan, coupe, hatchback, or SUV depending on the model). The tool then walks you through trim levels, which determine the base features and price.
After selecting a trim, you choose exterior color, interior color, and available packages or individual options. The tool updates the price and EPA fuel economy estimates in real time as you add features. Once you've built your configuration, you can view a detailed price breakdown, request a quote, or save your build to share with a dealer or review later.
The quote you generate includes the manufacturer's suggested retail price (MSRP) for your configuration, but not dealer-specific pricing, taxes, or incentives. Take this quote to a local Honda dealer to discuss actual pricing, available rebates, and financing options.
Ordering a Custom Vehicle Through a Honda Dealer
Visit or call a Honda dealer and tell them you want to order a vehicle with specific features rather than buy from their current inventory. The dealer will walk you through available options, packages, colors, and trim levels — often with access to more factory options than the online configurator shows. The dealer then submits your order to Honda's factory with your specifications.
Honda assigns your order a production sequence and provides you with an order number. The dealer gives you a timeline for when your vehicle will be built and delivered, typically 8 to 12 weeks depending on the model, current factory capacity, and any supply chain delays. You'll receive periodic updates as your vehicle moves through production.
Dealer orders often come with better financing rates or dealer-specific incentives than online quotes, and the dealer can bundle delivery, documentation, and registration into the purchase agreement. You can order through any Honda dealer, even if you don't plan to service there — dealers compete for orders and may offer different pricing on the same configuration.
What Happens After You Place an Order
Once your order is confirmed, Honda's factory schedules your vehicle into the production line. You'll receive an order confirmation with a build sequence number and an estimated delivery window. Some dealers provide you with a customer portal or send periodic email updates showing your vehicle's status — from "scheduled for production" through "in production," "quality check," and "ready for delivery."
Delivery typically happens at the dealer's lot, though some dealers offer home delivery for an additional fee. Before you take possession, the dealer performs a pre-delivery inspection (PDI), which checks for manufacturing defects, confirms all ordered features are present, and ensures the vehicle is fueled and ready to drive. You'll review the window sticker (Monroney label) to confirm the price, options, and fuel economy match your order.
If your ordered vehicle is delayed or if Honda discontinues an option you selected, the dealer will contact you to discuss alternatives. Canceling an order before production begins is usually free; canceling after production has started may result in a fee depending on the dealer's policy and how far along the build is.
Comparing Online Configuration to Dealer Orders
| Factor | Online Build and Price | Dealer Order |
|---|---|---|
| Time to see options | Minutes | 1 to 2 days (after dealer consultation) |
| Factory options available | Common packages and colors | Full factory catalog, including regional or limited options |
| Time to delivery | N/A — you're getting a quote, not ordering | 8 to 12 weeks from order confirmation |
| Incentives shown | National rebates only | National rebates plus dealer-specific offers |
| Best for | Quick price comparison and research | Specific features, financing negotiation, may provide availability |
Options and Packages You Can Customize
Honda organizes most customization into trim levels and packages rather than individual à la carte options. A trim level (such as LX, Sport, EX, or Touring) bundles a set of standard features; packages add groups of related features like technology, safety, or comfort. You can often add individual options on top of a package, though availability varies by model and trim.
Common customizable elements include exterior color (solid, metallic, or pearl finishes at different price points), interior color and material (cloth, leather, or synthetic leather), wheel design and size, technology packages (touchscreen size, Apple CarPlay, Android Auto, navigation), safety packages (adaptive cruise control, lane-keeping information, collision mitigation), and comfort features (heated seats, sunroof, power liftgate). Some options are only available in higher trims or as part of specific packages.
The online configurator shows which options are compatible with your selected trim and configuration; a dealer can explain why certain combinations aren't available and suggest alternatives that deliver similar features.
Pricing, Incentives, and Financing
The MSRP shown in the online configurator is Honda's suggested retail price for that exact configuration. It does not include destination charges (typically $1,000 to $1,200 depending on the model), taxes, registration, or dealer documentation fees. The actual price you pay depends on dealer markup or discount, available rebates, and your trade-in value if you have one.
National rebates and incentives change monthly and are managed by Honda; the online tool shows current national offers, but dealer-specific incentives (such as local rebates, loyalty bonuses, or financing rate reductions) only appear when you contact a dealer. Dealer orders sometimes unlock better financing rates or additional incentives because the dealer is committing to build and sell your vehicle.
Financing is handled by the dealer or through Honda Financial Services. Get pre-approved for a loan through your bank or credit union before visiting a dealer so you can compare the dealer's financing offer against your own rate. A pre-approval also strengthens your negotiating position on the final price.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I order a Honda that's not currently in production?
No. You can only order a model and configuration that Honda is currently manufacturing. If a model is between generations or has been discontinued, dealers cannot place a factory order for it. Check Honda.com or ask a dealer which models are currently in production before you start configuring.
What if I want a color or option that's not showing in the online tool?
Contact a Honda dealer directly. The online configurator shows the most common options, but dealers have access to the full factory catalog, including regional colors, special-order options, and limited-availability features. A dealer can tell you whether your desired combination is possible and how long it would take to build.
Can I change my order after I've placed it?
It depends on how far production has progressed. If your vehicle hasn't entered the factory line yet, most dealers can modify or cancel your order at no cost. Once production begins, changes become difficult or impossible, and cancellation may incur a fee. Ask your dealer about their change policy when you place the order.
Do I have to buy the vehicle if my order is ready?
You are not legally obligated to purchase an ordered vehicle, but your dealer may have a deposit or order agreement that specifies what happens if you back out. Review the order paperwork carefully and ask the dealer about cancellation terms before you sign. Some dealers hold orders for a set period (typically 30 to 60 days) before releasing them to another buyer.
How do I track my order once it's at the factory?
Your dealer provides you with an order number and typically sends email updates as your vehicle moves through production stages. Some dealers offer a customer portal where you can log in and see real-time status; others send updates by phone or email. Ask your dealer what tracking method they use and how often you'll receive updates.