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A-1 Toyota

New Haven, CT

4.8
1,140 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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50 Amity Road

New Haven, CT

06515

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Showing 1,140 reviews

January 27, 2013

Great experience overall. Great price on the vehicle and great price on the trade-in. Both gentlemen i dealt with, Angel Ramos and Naveel Syed were very helpful. Would recommend the dealership to anyone. More

by Howard S
Customer Service
Friendliness
Price
Quality Of Work
Recommend Dealer
Yes
Employees Worked With
Angel Ramos
January 09, 2013

I had multiple issues with my 2012 Camry SE, and the dealer would not help me, told me that I would have to wait 4 weeks to make an appointment. There was a safety issue with the Camry and it needed to More

by pdicrosta
Customer Service
Friendliness
Price
Quality Of Work
Recommend Dealer
No
Employees Worked With
Danielle Taylor
January 01, 2013

Just bought a 2012 Prius with 20,000 miles on it for 3-4 thousand less than anyone else was offering a similar car with similar miles on it. The experience was great. We got Naveel Syed and he was laid back More

by budokaiboy
Customer Service
Friendliness
Price
Recommend Dealer
Yes
Employees Worked With
Angel Ramos
December 25, 2012

A-1 Toyota is A-1! Just completed (two weeks ago)used A-1 Toyota is A-1! Just completed (two weeks ago)used car purchase from A-1. As a car enthusiast and person with very high expectations they exceede More

by Willbemogul
Customer Service
Friendliness
Price
Recommend Dealer
Yes
Employees Worked With
Other Employees : Joe Firine, Danielle Taylor
December 17, 2012

I was in need of a new car and decided to check out A1 Toyota. My salesman was Quincy Smith. He was very knowledge, friendly, and very flexible with my busy work schedule. Quincy took the time to expla More

by Mgilescrna
Customer Service
Friendliness
Price
Quality Of Work
Recommend Dealer
Yes
Employees Worked With
September 11, 2012

I've purchased all my toyotas (both used and new) from A1. Quincy answers all of my questions and knows what answers I need before I even have to ask a question. I've tried other dealers in CT (Wallingf More

by diane.nicolelli
Customer Service
Friendliness
Price
Quality Of Work
Recommend Dealer
Yes
Employees Worked With
August 11, 2012

I have been buying Toyota's since early 1990's and all with A-1. As I am sure you realize if I had problems with the dealer I would not keep going back every 3 years when my lease was up. I just recentl More

by nanmun1
Customer Service
Friendliness
Price
Quality Of Work
Recommend Dealer
Yes
Employees Worked With
July 10, 2012

My experience was the best one. I was treated with respect and honesty. Those two closed the deal. They accepted the college graduate discount, gave me a fair/no haggle price, extended the warranty fo More

by geova
Customer Service
Friendliness
Price
Quality Of Work
Recommend Dealer
Yes
Employees Worked With
Paula Ramos
June 09, 2012

This is a dealership where you feel like you just walked in that famous bar "Cheers" where everby knows your name and just wants to make your day. The entire experience is great from start to finish. You ar More

by malanson
Customer Service
Friendliness
Price
Quality Of Work
Recommend Dealer
Yes
Employees Worked With
Danielle Taylor
June 08, 2012

A-1 proved to me that buying a car does not have to be confusing or hard. I stopped into look at new Prius hybrids, and left with one because 1)I was treated as a human, 2) prices were more than fair (inc More

by jcrews
Customer Service
Friendliness
Price
Recommend Dealer
Yes
Employees Worked With
Dado