What Honda's Build and Price tool does
Honda's Build and Price tool is an online calculator on Honda's website where you enter the model you want, choose options and colors, and see the manufacturer's suggested retail price (MSRP) for that exact combination. You do not buy through it — you use it to understand what a car costs before you walk into a dealership or call one. The tool shows you the base price, what each add-on costs, and the total MSRP, so you arrive at a conversation with a dealer knowing what you are looking at.
The tool lives at honda.com under the "Build and Price" link, usually near the top of the page. You pick a model year, then a model (Civic, Accord, CR-V, and so on), then a trim level. From there you add or remove features — wheels, paint color, interior packages, technology bundles — and the price updates in real time. At the end you can see a summary of everything you chose and the final MSRP.
Key Takeaways
- Honda's Build and Price shows the manufacturer's suggested retail price (MSRP) for the exact car you configure, not what you will actually pay after dealer negotiation or incentives.
- The tool breaks down the cost of each option separately, so you can see whether a feature is worth its price to you before you commit.
- MSRP is a starting point for negotiation — dealers often discount it, and current incentives or rebates may lower your actual cost further.
- You can save or email your configuration from the tool, which makes it easier to compare prices across dealerships or discuss options with family.
How to navigate the tool step by step
Start by going to honda.com and finding the Build and Price link. Select the model year you are interested in — usually the current year and the year coming next are available. Then choose the model: Civic, Accord, CR-V, Pilot, Ridgeline, or whichever one you are considering.
Next, pick a trim level. Each model has several — for example, a Civic might have LX, Sport, EX, and Touring. The trim level is the starting point, and the tool shows you the base MSRP for that trim. From there, you add options. You can change the exterior color, interior color, wheel design, and packages (like a technology package or comfort package). As you make each choice, the price updates on the right side of the screen.
Take your time looking at packages versus individual options. Sometimes Honda bundles features into a package — for instance, a "Premium Package" might include leather seats, a sunroof, and upgraded speakers for one price. The tool shows you what is in each package, so you can decide whether you want everything in it or whether you would rather skip it and add only what you need.
Understanding MSRP versus what you actually pay
The price the tool shows you is the manufacturer's suggested retail price, or MSRP. It is what Honda suggests dealers charge. It is not the price you will pay. Dealers negotiate on MSRP, and the actual price depends on the dealer, the time of year, current incentives, your trade-in, and your credit situation.
Incentives and rebates are separate from MSRP. Honda sometimes offers cash rebates (money off the price), low-interest financing, or lease deals. These change throughout the year and vary by region. The Build and Price tool does not include these — you have to check Honda's incentives page or call a dealer to learn what is current. A car with an MSRP of $28,000 might have a $2,000 rebate available right now, bringing your actual cost down to $26,000 before negotiation.
Dealer markup or discount is another layer. Some dealers mark up popular models above MSRP, especially when demand is high. Others discount below MSRP to move inventory. The Build and Price tool gives you the MSRP so you know what to expect when you talk to dealers — if a dealer quotes you significantly higher, you know they are marking up.
Using your configuration to compare across dealerships
Once you have built the car you want, most versions of the tool let you save it or email it to yourself. This is useful because you can then take that exact configuration to multiple dealerships and ask for quotes. When each dealer knows you want that specific trim, color, and option set, their quotes are comparable — you are not trying to figure out whether one dealer's "similar" car is actually the same thing.
When you contact a dealer, give them the configuration details or the saved link. Ask them what they can offer for that exact car. Some dealers will have it in stock; others will order it for you. Ordering usually takes four to eight weeks, depending on the model and how busy the factory is. Having the configuration in writing prevents confusion about what you are asking for.
You can also use the tool to explore different trim levels or option combinations and compare their prices. If you are torn between the EX trim and the Touring trim, build both and see the price difference. Then decide whether the extra features in Touring are worth that gap to you.
What the tool does not show you
The Build and Price tool does not include destination charges, which is the fee Honda charges to ship the car from the factory to the dealer. This fee is added to MSRP and is not negotiable — it is the same across all dealers for the same model. Destination charges vary by model and region but typically range from $900 to $1,200. Ask the dealer what the destination charge is for your model when you get a quote.
The tool also does not show taxes, registration fees, or dealer fees. These vary by state and by dealer and are added on top of the MSRP and destination charge. Your actual out-of-pocket cost will be higher than what the tool shows.
Finally, the tool does not account for your trade-in value, your down payment, or financing terms. If you are trading in a car, the dealer will subtract its value from the total. If you are financing, the interest rate and loan term affect your monthly payment. These are conversations to have with the dealer after you know the MSRP.
When to use Build and Price and when to call a dealer instead
Use the tool when you are in the early stages of deciding what car to buy. It helps you understand the price structure, compare trim levels, and see how much different options cost. It is also useful if you want to know the MSRP before you walk into a dealership, so you are not caught off guard.
Call a dealer when you are ready to move forward. Dealers can tell you what they have in stock right now, what the current incentives are, what the destination charge is, and what they can offer you on price. They can also discuss financing, trade-in value, and timing. The Build and Price tool is a research step; the dealer conversation is where the actual transaction happens.
If you are shopping during a time when inventory is tight or demand is high, calling early can help you understand whether the car you want is available or how long an order would take. Dealers also sometimes have access to regional incentives or dealer-specific offers that are not advertised on Honda's main website.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I order a car directly through the Build and Price tool?
No. The tool shows you the price and lets you configure the car, but you cannot buy through it. You have to contact a Honda dealer to place an order or purchase. The tool is for research and planning only.
Does the price include delivery to my home?
The MSRP shown includes the car itself and the options you chose, but not destination charges (the factory-to-dealer shipping fee) or delivery to your home. Destination is added by the dealer. Delivery to your home is a separate service some dealers offer; ask about it when you contact them.
What if I see a lower price at a different dealer?
Dealers negotiate on price, so quotes will vary. Use your Build and Price configuration to get quotes from multiple dealers and compare. If one dealer is significantly lower, ask the others if they can match it. Also confirm that both dealers are quoting the same trim and options — a lower quote might be for a different configuration.
Are the colors and options I see in the tool the only ones available?
The tool shows the standard colors and options Honda offers. Some dealers may have special orders or regional options, so ask your dealer if something you want is not in the tool. Also, availability of specific colors or options can change depending on factory production schedules.
How often does the Build and Price tool update?
Honda updates the tool when new model years are released and when pricing or options change. If you are shopping for a current model year, the prices should be current, but incentives change frequently and are not reflected in the tool. Always check Honda's incentives page or call a dealer to confirm what rebates or financing offers are available right now.