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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
December 20, 2018
Perfect experience I was so nervous when I walked in to the dealership. I could not trust car dealerships based on previous experiences. John is so honest Through the wh I was so nervous when I walked in to the dealership. I could not trust car dealerships based on previous experiences. John is so honest Through the whole process of transaction and I felt comfortable signing the contract. The car is exactly what I planned to get. Thank you, More
by Saya Hoss
Employees Worked With
John F Murphy
December 16, 2018
They know what Customer Service is all about. A-1 saved the day by agreeing to correct sub-standard body shop work done by another dealership. They did not have to take on a job, which required t A-1 saved the day by agreeing to correct sub-standard body shop work done by another dealership. They did not have to take on a job, which required them to fix someone else's mistakes, but they agreed to do the work necessary. Working with Ralph and Christina made for a pleasant experience, at an exceptionally trying time with the other dealership. They were extremely professional, guiding me through the whole process and providing me my vehicle in proper working condition when the job was complete. The A-1 body shop team was great to work with, and I would recommend them highly. More
by Jan
December 15, 2018
Love My New Car! This is my 5th car with A1-Toyota! I purchased 2 cars in the past and I am currently on my 3rd lease. Toyotas are great, dependable cars and I wouldn This is my 5th car with A1-Toyota! I purchased 2 cars in the past and I am currently on my 3rd lease. Toyotas are great, dependable cars and I wouldn't purchase/lease any other kind. I've been fortunate to be able to work with Quincy Smith all these years; he's my go-to guy and I know that I am in good hands. Paul Wright, in the finance office , has also been a great help to me as well. The CHR is awesome! I'm so happy I got it! More
by Glenda Marie
December 14, 2018
Great and pleasant It was the easiest and most relaxing car buying experience I ever had. People that help me with this purchase like Jose Guerrero and financial manager It was the easiest and most relaxing car buying experience I ever had. People that help me with this purchase like Jose Guerrero and financial manager at that time( sorry forgot his name) made it so easy for me with no pressure but with understanding, and made a point on the positive and right choice for me reassuring me that I made a good choice. Thanks all A-1 Toyota in New Haven and happy holidays to all of you.!!! You made my holiday even more happier, thanks again More
by Thorbudz2
Employees Worked With
December 09, 2018
Fast and easy They make is easy and fast to get a car. John was a great seller and also the management was very friendly. I definitely recommend them! They make is easy and fast to get a car. John was a great seller and also the management was very friendly. I definitely recommend them! More
by Raquel
Employees Worked With
John F Murphy
December 07, 2018
Amazing I had an amazing experience with Quincyand the team. They genuinely make you feel part ofthe family andmake all best efforts to solve issues. I will d I had an amazing experience with Quincyand the team. They genuinely make you feel part ofthe family andmake all best efforts to solve issues. I will definitely recommend them to others More
by Tanel05
December 03, 2018
Great. Emerson and Paul were very helpful. Frank helped a lot also. Very courteous and helpful. Gary also called and was good and responsive. Very good exp Emerson and Paul were very helpful. Frank helped a lot also. Very courteous and helpful. Gary also called and was good and responsive. Very good experience More
by Toyotaa1
November 27, 2018
Pleasure to do business with Dado This is the fourth car that we've bought from A1 Toyota. Three of the purchases were handled by Dado and were quite pleasant. One deal with Manny wa This is the fourth car that we've bought from A1 Toyota. Three of the purchases were handled by Dado and were quite pleasant. One deal with Manny was not. We are satisfied with the workings of the rest of the dealership with one exception. The manufacturers put soy based wire covers in the motor of our 2011 Prius. Mice get into our garage and have caused havoc. AI Toyota has charged us with the expenses which this mistake has entailed. We live on a country wooded acre. Our cats keep mice from the house but do not patrol the garage. We'll end this by repeating that it is a pleasure to do business with Dado More
by Casey's Mom
November 21, 2018
Outstanding customer service We were so impressed with the honesty and knowledge of our sales representative, Emerson Macavinta. Emerson made us feel comfortable with our choice. We were so impressed with the honesty and knowledge of our sales representative, Emerson Macavinta. Emerson made us feel comfortable with our choice. He helped us through the end always with our best interest in mind. Thank you, Emerson! We will definitely recommend A-1 Toyota to all our friends! More
by happywcar
November 16, 2018
Exceptional Bought a car from A-1 Toyota. We had an exceptional expwerience. Sunny, our salesman was extremely knowledgeable and a great guy. We actually enjoy Bought a car from A-1 Toyota. We had an exceptional expwerience. Sunny, our salesman was extremely knowledgeable and a great guy. We actually enjoyed are car purchasing experience. We will recommend this dealership to all our family and friends. More
by Ginger
