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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
February 20, 2012
Just bought my very first new car, a 2012 Camry. I am so excited about it and all the little bonuses the dealership throws for free service. Thanks Ian! excited about it and all the little bonuses the dealership throws for free service. Thanks Ian! More
by tomjohn456
Employees Worked With
Ian
December 09, 2011
The all around experience was great from the initial meeting with sales right the signing of the paperwork. Look forward to many years of business and service to come. meeting with sales right the signing of the paperwork. Look forward to many years of business and service to come. More
by Ralphm76
Employees Worked With
Pat Joselin
December 08, 2011
My overall experience with A-1 Toyota was excellent.Had some minor issues during the whole process,but A-1 stepped up and made it right.Everyone there was very friendly and went out of their way to accomod some minor issues during the whole process,but A-1 stepped up and made it right.Everyone there was very friendly and went out of their way to accomodate me during my purchase.Would highly recommend A-1 Toyota for a purchase,and will definalely go back.I can`t comment on the service yet but if they`re as good as the sales dept. I`m sure they will be great. More
by lakesterj
Employees Worked With
Anthony Mao
December 04, 2011
The dealership was very nice and accommodating. Frederick was very helpful with the trade in process. I was able to get an amazing deal on a new Camry. The whole process was simple and straightforward. I wi was very helpful with the trade in process. I was able to get an amazing deal on a new Camry. The whole process was simple and straightforward. I will have no problem recommending this dealership to my friends or family. More
by Bennyjohn
Employees Worked With
Frederick Reid
November 26, 2011
I purchased my Prius after going to two other dealerships. I knew I wanted the Prius through research and a test drive at another dealer. My problem was poor trade value with the other dealers so dealerships. I knew I wanted the Prius through research and a test drive at another dealer. My problem was poor trade value with the other dealers so I went to A1 Toyota and was offered exactly what the estimated value is worth. No hassle and straight forward financial experience. I also had a nice sales person that was casual and friendly. More
by johns123
Employees Worked With
Naveel Syed
November 06, 2011
We had a great experience working with Quincy. Despite a 14 month old who did not want to be at a car dealership, Quincy was patient, while giving us good service and attention. He made us feel comfortable 14 month old who did not want to be at a car dealership, Quincy was patient, while giving us good service and attention. He made us feel comfortable about the purchase without pressure to make the sale. The paperwork was not overwhealming and the process was quick. Even though we did not have all our information with us at the time, he continued to be accomodating and patient allowing us to gather what we needed from home. Quincy had quick and easy solutions to any roadblocks we encountered during the process. He seemed genuine and sincere during the whole experience, and we thank him for that. More
by Sandy45
October 06, 2011
I have purchased brand new corolla from A-1 Toyota on August 31st, 2011. I had a good deal as far as price is concerned. Patrick Joslin who has assisted me in buying the car did an excellent job explaini August 31st, 2011. I had a good deal as far as price is concerned. Patrick Joslin who has assisted me in buying the car did an excellent job explaining about the car features, price etc. When compared to other dealers, i can say that i have receieved good deal on the car. There are some mechanical issues in the car which are resolved after 3 attempts. During the process Chrlie Hemstock provided exceptional service by following up on the service appoitnments. During initial attempts to resolve the issue in the abense of Charlie resulted in my dis-satisfaction with the customer service. Mike Querfeld, Service manager also called several times after hearing from me about the issue which made me think about my rating of this dealership. More
by rr0c8814
Employees Worked With
Patrick Joslin & Charlie Hemstock
August 03, 2011
Let me start with Joe is an AWESOME guy, Paul however I CANNOT use words on this site to explain how I feel about him!! I lost all respect for this dealership! Since 2006 I have purchased the following fr CANNOT use words on this site to explain how I feel about him!! I lost all respect for this dealership! Since 2006 I have purchased the following from THEM in CASH(loan through credit union): In 2006 Toyota Tacoma TRD Sport roughly $30,000 traded for In 2008 Toyota Tundra 5.7 base roughly $33,000 traded for In 2009 Toyota Camry XLE roughly $31,000 I am not a car guy (found out the hard way), so after $90,000+ in such a short time, they were unwilling to budge on $1500 on a 2011 Tundra. Since then I went to Toyota of Wallingford, a dealership I never worked with. Guess what: They made the deal happen!!! Most comfortable car buying experience I've EVER HAD! Will continue to refer people to Wallingford any day. Sincerely, Paul M. More
by Paul312612
Employees Worked With
Joe Firine, Paul Evans
November 20, 2010
Called at 7:30 Friday night and inquired on a specific Sienna listed on the internet for a great price. Left my name and phone number and made an appointment for 10am the next morning. Loaded the entire Sienna listed on the internet for a great price. Left my name and phone number and made an appointment for 10am the next morning. Loaded the entire family up and drove over an hour to make the appointment. Once there I was told that the specific van advertised had sold AND delivered the night before (remember I talked to them 1/2 hour before closing) I was offered to be shown other vans. A dealer with integrity would of called if the van was really sold, but it is more likely a bait and switch. More
by MiniVan Purchaser
Employees Worked With
Louis
January 04, 2010
We have purchased 3 cars from A-1 over 23 years and have always gotten a better deal there than at any Toyota dealership in Westchester County, NY. Each of the Camrys we bought and had serviced at A-1 went always gotten a better deal there than at any Toyota dealership in Westchester County, NY. Each of the Camrys we bought and had serviced at A-1 went 140,000+ miles without a problem. Our latest purchase was a Prius and it was delivered for the price quoted, was ready on the day promised, no specials were applied to jack up the price, and we continue to service it at A-1 despite living over an hour away. I can not recommend a dealership more, they are without a doubt the best! More
by jPod
Employees Worked With
Many
