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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

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 More

by lakesterj
Customer Service
Friendliness
Price
Recommend Dealer
Yes
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 More

by Bennyjohn
Customer Service
Friendliness
Price
Quality Of Work
Recommend Dealer
Yes
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 More

by johns123
Customer Service
Friendliness
Price
Quality Of Work
Recommend Dealer
Yes
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 More

by Sandy45
Customer Service
Friendliness
Price
Quality Of Work
Recommend Dealer
Yes
Employees Worked With
Other Employees : Quincy smith
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 More

by rr0c8814
Customer Service
Friendliness
Price
Quality Of Work
Recommend Dealer
Yes
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 More

by Paul312612
Customer Service
Friendliness
Price
Recommend Dealer
No
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 More

by MiniVan Purchaser
Customer Service
Recommend Dealer
No
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 More

by jPod
Customer Service
Friendliness
Price
Quality Of Work
Recommend Dealer
Yes
Employees Worked With
Many
October 28, 2009

Brought our car in for 15K service. Spoke to Tom "asst. svc. mgr.", who went over all the detais of the service to be performed. He then gave me an approx. price of the service and time vehicle would be re More

by toyoboy
Customer Service
Friendliness
Price
Quality Of Work
Recommend Dealer
Yes
Employees Worked With
Tom O.
December 01, 2005

One day I'm driving home and it loses all it's strength and the check engine light comes on. I brought it to my mechanic (who I trust and was very close to where this happened) and he found the cylinders w More

by jevaka
Customer Service
Friendliness
Price
Recommend Dealer
No
Employees Worked With
Mike Querfeld
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