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A-1 Toyota
New Haven, CT
1,146 Reviews
In the early 60’s, the owners of a local garage received a postcard announcing the production of a new four-wheel drive vehicle. At the time, the automotive industry was producing only one other vehicle in this category, so the owners thought this might be a good opportunity to introduce a new four-wheel drive vehicle that they would be able to sell as well as service. The postcard was answered and the response was the founding of the first Toyota dealership in New England and the beginning of what has become a very successful endeavor for Dominic Galardi, Anthony Buglione and A-1 Toyota.
The history of A-1 Service began before this. In January of 1951, Dom joined his father-in-law, Tony Buglione in a partnership that included a gas station and used cars. The station was located on the corner of Olive Street and St. John in New Haven.
In the late 1950’s, a new highway system was breaking through the neighborhood, people started moving to the suburbs, and with the limited space they had already outgrown, A-1 looked for a new location.
The new site they chose was in East Haven. The partnership grew to include Dominic’s brother, Andrew.
Their new location, occupying a city block on Main Street and the sign reading A-1 Auto Service, Inc., became a landmark for many.
In 1963, A-1 completed the building of the first Toyota showroom on the East Coast. In 1966, just three years after opening their dealership, A-1 became the second largest Toyota dealership in the country. Toyota’s line-up featured only two vehicles at the time, the four-wheel drive Land Cruiser and one of the first economy cars, the Tiara.
Over the years, A-1 Toyota continued to grow and in 1980 moved to their current location on Amity Road in New Haven adding the Dodge franchise that dueled with Toyota until 1990.
A-1 Toyota’s line-up looks far different than it did in 1963, but the basis for a successful business has continued. The business is still owned by the same family, and Domin
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This rating includes all dealership reviews, with more weight given to recent reviews.
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Service Price Transparency
Trade-in Experience
Purchase Time
Finance Experience
Workmanship
Service Time
Hours
Sales/Showroom
Monday 9:00 AM - 8:30 PM
Tuesday 9:00 AM - 8:30 PM
Wednesday 9:00 AM - 8:30 PM
Thursday 9:00 AM - 8:30 PM
Friday 9:00 AM - 7:30 PM
Saturday 9:00 AM - 6:00 PM
Sunday Closed
Service
Monday 7:30 AM - 7:00 PM
Tuesday 7:30 AM - 7:00 PM
Wednesday 7:30 AM - 7:00 PM
Thursday 7:30 AM - 7:00 PM
Friday 7:30 AM - 7:00 PM
Saturday 7:30 AM - 5:00 PM
Sunday Closed
Parts
Monday 7:30 AM - 7:00 PM
Tuesday 7:30 AM - 7:00 PM
Wednesday 7:30 AM - 7:00 PM
Thursday 7:30 AM - 7:00 PM
Friday 7:30 AM - 7:00 PM
Saturday 7:30 AM - 5:00 PM
Sunday Closed
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Showing 1,146 reviews
July 12, 2021
I knew Dado from 11 years ago when I was shopping for a Hybrid Highlander. I finally choose a Lexus RX 450H since the price was attractive. He congratulated me for a very good choice. When 2021 Rav4 Prim Hybrid Highlander. I finally choose a Lexus RX 450H since the price was attractive. He congratulated me for a very good choice. When 2021 Rav4 Prime was available for sale in the Fall of 2020 I went to A-1 again and hoping Dado still works there. He did. I placed a deposit for a 2021 Rav4 Prime XSE Premium model. Due to its scarcity I had to wait more than eight months to get it. During this lengthy waiting period Dado was always patiently answer my questions ranging from technical to delivery timing etc. in a professional manner. In my fifty plus years of car purchasing experiences he is the most professional one. He is also a soft-spoken gentleman! I also give this dealership a five-star rating with my purchase experience of the Rav4 Prime because it offers a very honest and fair pricing policy. While other area Toyota dealer are all add 1% to 10% extra margin to the MSRP, A-1 offered a fair good price which is rare in this particular hot vehicle. More
by changjxin
Employees Worked With
July 09, 2021
I have leased/purchased all my vehicles from A1 for the last 13 years. I have never been disappointed. An enjoyable experience, excellent customer service! last 13 years. I have never been disappointed. An enjoyable experience, excellent customer service! More
by sburke1
Employees Worked With
June 29, 2021
I recently leased a Prius Prime through A1 Toyota and had the best experience ever!! I want to thank Quincy and the rest of the staff that helped make the transaction smooth!! Hands down I would recommend the best experience ever!! I want to thank Quincy and the rest of the staff that helped make the transaction smooth!! Hands down I would recommend A1 Toyota over ALL of the other Toyota dealerships! If I can rate higher than a 5 star, I would! More
by eeleon72
June 21, 2021
Above and beyond! We weren’t pushed to purchase anything extra but were informed about our options. Delivery was exceptionally fast! Everyone should buy from this dealership! extra but were informed about our options. Delivery was exceptionally fast! Everyone should buy from this dealership! More
by Okeys
Employees Worked With
June 21, 2021
I recently purchased a used Toyota Rav 4 from A-1 Toyota. This is my second purchase from this dealership. Kevin Wright was the Sales Associate that helped me through this process. I would high recommend him This is my second purchase from this dealership. Kevin Wright was the Sales Associate that helped me through this process. I would high recommend him! I felt comfortable that Kevin had my best interests in mind! More
by cmdegennaro
Employees Worked With
June 17, 2021
Always purchase at this dealership. Really appreciate our salesperson named Quincy Smith . He is one of the main reasons we keep going back to A-1 plus the quality of our cars. He’s knowledgeable,professio salesperson named Quincy Smith . He is one of the main reasons we keep going back to A-1 plus the quality of our cars. He’s knowledgeable,professional, genuine, warm, and honest. Just overall excellent!!! I have been a customer for over 30 years. More
by Lcabin
June 03, 2021
I just purchased my fourth Tacoma from A-1 and Quincy Smith. He did a great job with finding the exact truck I wanted including the specific color and options. This was more challenging than normal becau Smith. He did a great job with finding the exact truck I wanted including the specific color and options. This was more challenging than normal because of the pandemic and the shortage of vehicles. Mike the Service Manager was also very helpful in getting some accessories installed including some LED lighting. Needless to say, I am extremely happy with Quincy and Mike and would recommend them to anyone looking for a new Toyota. More
by TRB
May 26, 2021
I have been with this dealership for 15 years only I have been with this dealership for 15 years only because they are a wonderful dealership with very honest and qualified personnel. The associate se I have been with this dealership for 15 years only because they are a wonderful dealership with very honest and qualified personnel. The associate service manager, Ken Perone, is very authentic and honest and I trusted him in any decisions I had to make and servicing my first Corolla. When it came time for a different car, I found the Quincey Smith is very knowledgeable, honest, and thorough and his job. These people made all of my experiences at Toyota very positive and I plan to service my certified use Corolla for many years to come with these people.Toyota should be very proud of the services they supply. Thank you More
by granfield95
May 25, 2021
He was very nice and patient with us and spent time helping us understand how the car works! He answered all our questions and went above and beyond to help us. helping us understand how the car works! He answered all our questions and went above and beyond to help us. More
by Santiago
Employees Worked With
May 13, 2021
Quincy Smith is the best salesperson we have ever worked with. We have bought 5 cars from him over 12 years, and chose this dealership to buy from again primarily because of Quincy. He is trustworthy, kno with. We have bought 5 cars from him over 12 years, and chose this dealership to buy from again primarily because of Quincy. He is trustworthy, knowledgeable, super easy to get along with, and professional. He is an outstanding individual who made our car buying experience easy and very pleasant. More
by HappyCustomer
Employees Worked With
