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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.
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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
August 29, 2016
The best car purchase experience I have ever had!!! The most honest & respectable people we have ever dealt with. Our whole experience was just amazing starting with Jerry Bell, Brenton Fisher & Paul Wr The most honest & respectable people we have ever dealt with. Our whole experience was just amazing starting with Jerry Bell, Brenton Fisher & Paul Wright! It was like a dream!! It's a 10++weI would recommend everyone to experience such a great place. & wonderful people. About 8 guys came out to wave us good buy & tell us to have a safe trip back to Long Island. They know how to sell a car & make you feel great about your purchase. Thank you guys we love our new Highlander Ltd. God Bless you all and the owners of this great place. Keep treating your employees so good they deserve it. 🎊🎊🎊 More
by Emrelyea-Pesante
August 29, 2016
Won't Shop for Toyota Anywhere Else What a refreshing approach to sales. Honestly no hassle and genuinely nice people. We walked out of the dealership with smiles on our faces and the ve What a refreshing approach to sales. Honestly no hassle and genuinely nice people. We walked out of the dealership with smiles on our faces and the vehicle we wanted at a great, fair price. Service Manager couldn't have been more helpful and forthcoming and we are looking forward to having a long relationship with this dealership. More
by Jenny, Fairfield
August 29, 2016
ask for Quincy Smith I bought my 2010 Toyota Tacoma brand-new through Quincy Smith, a sales representative for A-1 Toyota., back in 2010. Every time I brought it in for s I bought my 2010 Toyota Tacoma brand-new through Quincy Smith, a sales representative for A-1 Toyota., back in 2010. Every time I brought it in for service I would seek him out. He always made time to talk with me even if he was with a customer. Each time I saw him he was always well-dressed , pleasant and friendly.A-1 Toyota is fortunate to have him as a representative When I decided to buy a 2016 Tacoma of course I went through him again. I would recommend Quincy to anyone looking to purchase a vehicle. More
by josephd
August 27, 2016
My Experience at A-1 Yesterday I purchased my second Prius from A-1.. My salesperson, Amanda Botto, was so helpful. She found the exact model I was looking for, explained Yesterday I purchased my second Prius from A-1.. My salesperson, Amanda Botto, was so helpful. She found the exact model I was looking for, explained all the new technology and in general was competent and friendly. I never felt pressured in any way. Angel Ramos handled the actual purchase. He carefully reviewed the charges and the various payment options. Kevin wright(If I am correctly remembering his name) from administration, was welcoming and made me feel like a truly valued customer. My dealings with the service department were always positive and no one ever tried talk me into unnecessary services on my old Prius. I was always treated with the utmost respect. For all of these reasons, I highly recommend A-1 Toyota I would not consider buying a vehicle any place else. More
by pank
Employees Worked With
Kevin Wright, Angel Ramos, Amanda Botto
August 27, 2016
New RAV4 2016 lease Luigi was great! He was approachable and very patient when I was making my decision. He helped me find a great deal on my new RAV4 and I feel overall Luigi was great! He was approachable and very patient when I was making my decision. He helped me find a great deal on my new RAV4 and I feel overall very satisfied with A-1 Toyota! More
by Martin8
Employees Worked With
Carlos Orozco, Luigi D'Aria
August 27, 2016
Exchange of Leasing Cars I am a returning customer to A-1 Toyota. Quincy Smith is the car salesman who always helps me. He is courteous at all times. He spent time with me I am a returning customer to A-1 Toyota. Quincy Smith is the car salesman who always helps me. He is courteous at all times. He spent time with me in the Pyrius this morning reviewing all the high technology systems in the car. He answered all of my questions and he is very knowledgeable about the Toyota brands and shares his expertise. He prepares the final sale to completion. More
by Marilyn
Employees Worked With
August 27, 2016
Wonderful experience Was nervous when I got there due to prior bad experience with another Toyota dealer. But I am happy that the guys who helped me took all anxiety out o Was nervous when I got there due to prior bad experience with another Toyota dealer. But I am happy that the guys who helped me took all anxiety out of me. Thanks to Danielle Taylor and Angel Ramos for a wonderful car buying experience. I would highly recommend to go to A1 Toyota. More
by drpuneetkochar
Employees Worked With
Danielle Taylor, Angel Ramos
August 26, 2016
Amanda Botto We have purchased our last three cars from A-1 Toyota and have never been disappointed. Thank you Amandafor making our whole experience so wonderful We have purchased our last three cars from A-1 Toyota and have never been disappointed. Thank you Amandafor making our whole experience so wonderful! We love our Highlander! More
by Sharon Gissel
August 26, 2016
Fair and thorough and humourous! Our sales person, Kevin Wright was charming, listened Tito our wants and needs. Then he provided options, and also deal opportunities. We were edu Our sales person, Kevin Wright was charming, listened Tito our wants and needs. Then he provided options, and also deal opportunities. We were educated regarding the new features of our chosen vehicles and were provided hands-on instructions on how to use the most commonly used features and well as the updated accessories. And Angel Ramos is a keeper. He makes the complexities of car finance easy to understand for the layperson. It was our 2nd experience with him and if is still around ( along with Kevin) we will be back for our next cars. He made the experience and "smashing" one. Thank you S. Matthews New Haven More
by London
August 23, 2016
Leasing a commuter car Quincy Smith has taken car of our family over and over. Everyone from the receptionist to the business dealer is cordial. We would advise all consumer Quincy Smith has taken car of our family over and over. Everyone from the receptionist to the business dealer is cordial. We would advise all consumers to enjoy this dealer. More
by Gholson43
Employees Worked With
