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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
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
May 30, 2019
Picking a new car Kevin Wright and Frank Nieves were excellent to work with. Both guys were very friendly, courteous, and helpful. They made our car buying experience e Kevin Wright and Frank Nieves were excellent to work with. Both guys were very friendly, courteous, and helpful. They made our car buying experience excellent. More
by wschempp
May 25, 2019
Great Salesmen and great atmosphere Benton Fisher was very knowledgeable to my preferences.. He took his time and answered all my questions, matched my needs from my old car to the new c Benton Fisher was very knowledgeable to my preferences.. He took his time and answered all my questions, matched my needs from my old car to the new car. He made my experience a positive one and I am thankful for it. More
by Jules64
May 14, 2019
Great Experience Overall I was fortunate to purchase my second TRD pro 4Runner from A-1 Toyota. The first one was purchased out of state and I was ecstatic when I found one l I was fortunate to purchase my second TRD pro 4Runner from A-1 Toyota. The first one was purchased out of state and I was ecstatic when I found one locally. To put it nicely, I am a very difficult customer and extremely particular. Despite this, the staff was overly helpful and Quincy, in particular, was always available for any questions or concerns I had throughout the process. At the end, I received the exact vehicle I wanted with the options and accessories I had hoped for. My OCD request for delivery we’re also met and I appreciate that greatly. More
by Jros84
Employees Worked With
May 09, 2019
positive experience Quincy was very knowledgeable to my preferences.. He took his time and answered all my questions, matched my needs from my old car to the new car sea Quincy was very knowledgeable to my preferences.. He took his time and answered all my questions, matched my needs from my old car to the new car seamlessly. He made my experience a positive one and I am thankful for it. More
by MattBonn
May 08, 2019
Fantabulous Service was great, atmosphere was welcoming and friendly , everything was explained even if I did understand , the whole cycle was a step by step proc Service was great, atmosphere was welcoming and friendly , everything was explained even if I did understand , the whole cycle was a step by step process and at the end I got the car I wanted . More
by Juleswork365
May 08, 2019
great paper work was too long too long gave me a computer disk and not the originally paperwork. should nhad to go back to get additional papaerwork paper work was too long too long gave me a computer disk and not the originally paperwork. should nhad to go back to get additional papaerwork More
by franklin
Employees Worked With
May 07, 2019
Patience, Competence and Relaxed Atmosphere ! Having bought a new Toyota Avalon in 2001, I knew that my experience with this dealership was the reason my car ran so well for 18 years. However, it Having bought a new Toyota Avalon in 2001, I knew that my experience with this dealership was the reason my car ran so well for 18 years. However, it was time for a newer used car and I had the good fortune of having Quincy Smith as my sales person. He was knowledgeable and particularly patient as I had to acclimate myself to the new technology. He listened to my car needs and I ended up test driving a Camry and a 2016 Avalon. For me the Avalon was the clear winner as it best suited my needs personally and professionally. I found that Quincy was patient and did not mind clarifying all the new technological changes . His manner was relaxed and I did not feel as if he were pressuring me to buy a car or make up my mind right away. In reality, I came back the next day and as he enumerated all the options I had to purchase the car ,as well as the advantages of buying it from A-1 Toyota, my mind was made up. He made buying my new car a very positive experience ! More
by Hotwheels
Employees Worked With
May 03, 2019
Great Job A-1 The first salesperson i met was Scott. I was very impressed when he explained in detailed about how the process works of buying a car. He was professi The first salesperson i met was Scott. I was very impressed when he explained in detailed about how the process works of buying a car. He was professional, courteous, didnt hesitate to answer any questions because i didnt know what to expect. He helped me to start thinking about my options. Then i met Frank. He gave me options that was really helpful that i didnt think i was able to buy a car with my credit level. His level of financial options were superb. Then i met with Sunny. He explained the interior of the car, he did an awesome job connecting the audio for me and the bluetooth, he made sure i understood everything he explained in detail. A-1 Toyota didnt just sell me a car, but they educated me about the process. Great Job A-1 Toyota !!! More
by nice ride, monica01
