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A-1 Toyota
New Haven, CT
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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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 1,140 reviews
July 10, 2019
A1is the best. Won't go anywhere else From Quincy in sales to Mike in service and everyone in between. Nothing compares to A-1. I would never buy a car or have a car serviced anywhere els From Quincy in sales to Mike in service and everyone in between. Nothing compares to A-1. I would never buy a car or have a car serviced anywhere else. More
by chapin4
Employees Worked With
July 09, 2019
Terrific! Quincy was wonderfully patient. Helped us find just the right car! My wife and I appreciate his thoughtfulness in explaining all the options, withou Quincy was wonderfully patient. Helped us find just the right car! My wife and I appreciate his thoughtfulness in explaining all the options, without any pressure, and always responsive to our needs. More
by anthony.kronman
Employees Worked With
July 05, 2019
Positive experience When I made the decision to purchase my first ever used vehicle I returned to A-1 Toyota because of past positive experience with both Quincy from the When I made the decision to purchase my first ever used vehicle I returned to A-1 Toyota because of past positive experience with both Quincy from the sales area and past service for other vehicles. I was very pleased with my purchase and the overall experience. I would recommend this dealership for those interested in purchasing a new or used vehicle. More
by jll0303tmb
June 25, 2019
supportive and thorough Amjad was extremely helpful throughout the process including picking me up to go to the bank and to the dealership. He helped me get in touch with ins Amjad was extremely helpful throughout the process including picking me up to go to the bank and to the dealership. He helped me get in touch with insurances and answered all questions. They were able to move quickly for me while not pressuring me into deals or cars I did not want. I felt respected and cared for all along the way. More
by firsttime
June 09, 2019
Great experience with the A-1 Toyota team A-1 Toyota made my experience helpful and easy. Damien, the salesperson who greeted me, was professional, patient, honest ,and easy to talk to. Damien A-1 Toyota made my experience helpful and easy. Damien, the salesperson who greeted me, was professional, patient, honest ,and easy to talk to. Damien and Hatim went out of their way to make sure that i got into something I wanted while keeping it in my budget. Thank you. I recomend Damien at A-1 Toyota More
by Nate1
June 07, 2019
Quincy Smith is our go to person My husband and I purchased a Rav 4 and Prius 12/13 years ago dealing with Quincy Smith. Yesterday we purchased a pre owned Prius for my husband-again My husband and I purchased a Rav 4 and Prius 12/13 years ago dealing with Quincy Smith. Yesterday we purchased a pre owned Prius for my husband-again dealing with Quincy. He went above and beyond to find this vehicle for us, treated us fairly and with respect. Additionally Quincy explained in detail the costs involved and financing options with great patience. We will continue to use A1 Toyota and Quincy for our Toyota needs. More
by Char
Employees Worked With
June 04, 2019
First New Car Walked into A-1 Toyota only for a test drive and left the very same day with my first new car. Kevin Wright was super helpful, polite and patient. He Walked into A-1 Toyota only for a test drive and left the very same day with my first new car. Kevin Wright was super helpful, polite and patient. He was very informative and also took the time to listen to my wants and needs in a car. Paul Wright was also super helpful in keeping me as close to my budget as possible, which was SUPER important to me. I was not originally looking at Toyota but I'm so happy with my 2020 Corolla, and my overall experience. Will definitely recommend A-1 Toyota to all of my friends! More
by Micav09
June 03, 2019
NEW CAR We were considering a new car. We went right to A1. since our last 3 cars were Toyotas from A1. Quincy Smith was extremely helpful He spent 2 hours We were considering a new car. We went right to A1. since our last 3 cars were Toyotas from A1. Quincy Smith was extremely helpful He spent 2 hours with us, when we weren't even sure we were ready to buy. When we did, he spent another 4 hours going over details of the car. He was so patient with us as we asked 100 or so questions. More
by Marcia & Gary
June 01, 2019
new car I walked into A1 Toyota knowing exactly what car I wanted but did not think I would actually be buying that same day. Frank, Gary and Scott were all v I walked into A1 Toyota knowing exactly what car I wanted but did not think I would actually be buying that same day. Frank, Gary and Scott were all very helpful and time efficient with the whole process. I was also offered more than I anticipated with my trade-in. Also being 27 years old and looking younger than my age, I did not feel judged or like I was being taken advantage of - really happy with my new car and the overall service. More
by sara123
May 31, 2019
Disgusting From Sales department, service department even management, professionalism and honesty was a disgusting experience. I reviewed a friends contract and From Sales department, service department even management, professionalism and honesty was a disgusting experience. I reviewed a friends contract and there was a charge for $1995.00 "Service Contract." She went in alone and was fully taken advantage of. Not one person including management at this place could tell me what this charge was for. It could be a few things they said. I would have to see it myself they said. I asked if they would like me to locate something on the page as I am intelligent a college student I could find it. No. No. I would have to see it myself they said. I asked for a manager and only after 2 short seconds a different voice picked up the phone and said no one is available. No one could explain this $1995.00 charge they made this poor woman finance at the interest rate of her entire loan. Pay attention to your contracts especially from this place they are the shiest salesman from man to woman. Not to mention everyone who picked up the phone spoke so fast as if they don't want you or don't care for you to understand anything they are saying, just as long as you get approved and buy. Absolutely disgusting the contract is even worse. More
by Lynette91
