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A-1 Toyota
New Haven, CT
1,142 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.
Sales Price Transparency
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 1,142 reviews
August 26, 2015
A pleasant car buying experience!! My 91yo grandfather recently purchased his 5th Toyota Camry from A-1 Toyota & although he had never bought them from this dear before he knew exactly My 91yo grandfather recently purchased his 5th Toyota Camry from A-1 Toyota & although he had never bought them from this dear before he knew exactly what he wanted & having Quincy as a salesman made it so quick & easy to make the purchase! A smooth process from the start! Thank you to all the staff at A-1 Toyota for making his last new(er) car purchase a pleasure! He is like a kid in a candy store! THANK YOU ALL :-) More
by teammarti3
August 21, 2015
Buyin a car This is the first time I bought a car by my self. I found the sale person very nice I told him what I was looking fo. He should me two car,i bought t This is the first time I bought a car by my self. I found the sale person very nice I told him what I was looking fo. He should me two car,i bought the second one he show me. I then saw Paul wright who was also very nice an very helpful answered all my questions. I would recommend any of my friends to A1 Toyota.. More
by Harriett
August 14, 2015
Return customer. Very happy with purchase This is the third Toyota we have purchased and each time Paul Evans was our salesperson. He has always been very helpful and understanding of all ou This is the third Toyota we have purchased and each time Paul Evans was our salesperson. He has always been very helpful and understanding of all our concerns. I would highly recommend him. Truly a get salesperson. Made us feel comfortable with our purchase. Like that we were given the price no haggling. We felt we got a good deal and a fair trade in on our old vehicle Paul Wright came in on his day off to accommodate our final signing. He did a great job getting us the best financing available. We had a budget we had to work within and Paul did all he could to help us. Have come here several times for services for our 2013 Corolla. I have always been pleased with the service and the comfortable waiting area More
by emr521
Employees Worked With
August 12, 2015
Warm and efficient. A wonderful experience. This was my first time at A1 Toyota; I had been putting off purchasing a new car, dreading the process but was pleasantly surprised with my experience This was my first time at A1 Toyota; I had been putting off purchasing a new car, dreading the process but was pleasantly surprised with my experience at A1! The staff was warm and knowledgeable and patient with all of my questions. I know very little about cars, financing or the process of buying a car so I had a lot of questions. Quincy Smith answered all my questions and I never felt rushed or pressured to make a quick decision that might be wrong for me. They offered me a a fair deal on my trade in and Paul Wright was wonderful in working to get me the very best financing. I am genuinely impressed by the staff's commitment to getting me into the best car for me at the price that worked me. I truly love my Prius! Thank you! More
by NicoleD
July 21, 2015
Efficient and fair sales process I purchased a 2015 Rav4 two weeks ago. A-1 Toyota was a breath of fresh air! I received a very fair sales price without any of the back and forth balo I purchased a 2015 Rav4 two weeks ago. A-1 Toyota was a breath of fresh air! I received a very fair sales price without any of the back and forth baloney. The trade in offered was good and the deal was done. Thirty-five minutes from walking in the door to a complete deal and they delivered the car six hours later! If felt like my time and intelligence were respected. I would recommend A-1 Toyota to anyone who wants a good deal and wants to be treated in a fair and professional manner. More
by Joe
Employees Worked With
Joe Firine, Angel Ramos
July 20, 2015
Excellent service This is my first visit to A1 Toyota dealership. I have passed by the dealership many times in the several years. This is my first purchase of Toyota This is my first visit to A1 Toyota dealership. I have passed by the dealership many times in the several years. This is my first purchase of Toyota Prius III. Service was excellent. Qunicy Smith was professional and very knowledgeable about the Prius. I would rate him very high for his service and strongly recommend working with him. More
by mkvenkat
July 16, 2015
A True No Hassel Car Buying Experience. I believe this is my third time dealing with Eddie Oliveras and he is great he knows Toyota. The next time im on the market for a new Toyota or any of I believe this is my third time dealing with Eddie Oliveras and he is great he knows Toyota. The next time im on the market for a new Toyota or any of my friends or family im going down to A1 Toyota and Eddie Oliveras. Paul Wright Is the men when it comes to the final paperwork been dealing with him since 1996. Leaving your car for service get Ezequiel Pizarro great service. More
by cariduro
July 15, 2015
Got my lovely first car! I would recommend this dealer for its fast response and warm hearted service. I bought a used car but they changed brand new tires for me and offered I would recommend this dealer for its fast response and warm hearted service. I bought a used car but they changed brand new tires for me and offered 21-days free car wash! Love it! More
by Bonbontheway
Employees Worked With
Sunny Dhawan
July 15, 2015
Professional service had a good experience--service advisor moved some things around to fit me in--I appreciated that. was very efficient- laid out what would be involv had a good experience--service advisor moved some things around to fit me in--I appreciated that. was very efficient- laid out what would be involved on next visit so I know what to expect. That is a nice touch. More
by Lexar53
July 07, 2015
Best experience ever! A1 Toyota is amazing!! I have been to many dealerships over the years and purchased many new and used vehicles with a feeling of either not being satisfied completely or an I have been to many dealerships over the years and purchased many new and used vehicles with a feeling of either not being satisfied completely or an ok experience. At A1 Toyota my experience was top notch from the moment I walked in to the moment I walked out. Completely the best experience I have ever had! My salesman Quincy went above and beyond to accommodate my husband and I, especially with our busy work schedules. Quincy was extremely knowledgeable, helpful, and one of the most professional people I have ever met. Best assets, he is a great listener and a people-person. He even entertained my son, while my husband and I filled out paperwork. Truly a wonderful experience we ever had with a car dealership!!! A1 treats their customers like gold! A1 staff is truly amazing!!! More
by Karen M.
