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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
August 22, 2016
Excellent Experience We found that Kevin Wright listened to our needs regarding the lease of a RAV4. He listened so well that we leased two 2016 RAV4s. We found that Kevin Wright listened to our needs regarding the lease of a RAV4. He listened so well that we leased two 2016 RAV4s. More
by Patrick's RAV4
August 21, 2016
OUTSTANDING I am a repeat customer. A-1 is TOPS to me as far as selling and maintenance. I just purchased a Toyota Prius 4 Touring, and I plan to be back when it' I am a repeat customer. A-1 is TOPS to me as far as selling and maintenance. I just purchased a Toyota Prius 4 Touring, and I plan to be back when it's time for my next car. More
by Bob Nikituk
August 21, 2016
Personable and reliable Whenever I contact frank for help with an appointment he always makes the process smooth and simple! He's extremely friendly and upfront and I respect Whenever I contact frank for help with an appointment he always makes the process smooth and simple! He's extremely friendly and upfront and I respect that about him. He's also always reliable and gets me scheduled and has helped people I've referred! More
by MelindaS129
Employees Worked With
August 21, 2016
Easy going Luigi made us feel relaxed and did not pressure us into buying. He answered all our questions and made our experience relaxing and hassle free. Luigi made us feel relaxed and did not pressure us into buying. He answered all our questions and made our experience relaxing and hassle free. More
by Mfox
August 20, 2016
Another great car purchase experience at A-1 Toyota This week my husband and I completed another purchase of a vehicle from A-1 Toyota. It was as easy and fun as the other times that we have used this This week my husband and I completed another purchase of a vehicle from A-1 Toyota. It was as easy and fun as the other times that we have used this dealership. This is the second time that we were helped by Fariz "Dado" Dadic. He is really fabulous. Besides his wonderful, friendly and helpful nature, his knowledge of the Toyota products is extensive. Every question answered accurately. All options presented clearly. Dado helped us put together just the right car for us. Paul Wright handled the financial end with ease. At no point did we feel pressured. We have enjoyed a long relationship with this dealership and highly recommend it. More
by BB
August 20, 2016
Great experience I had never purchased a car from a dealership and was apprehensive at first. The staff made it so easy for me to walk away with a safe and beautiful v I had never purchased a car from a dealership and was apprehensive at first. The staff made it so easy for me to walk away with a safe and beautiful vehicle. Thank you, David and Carlos! More
by Zackery1998
Employees Worked With
Carlos Orozco, David Bryce
August 20, 2016
Easy, helpful, reasonable, understanding If your looking for the right car at the best price A-1 Toyota can really do the job for you... Sales men were extremely helpful & fair... I purchased If your looking for the right car at the best price A-1 Toyota can really do the job for you... Sales men were extremely helpful & fair... I purchased a 2016 Toyota corolla with the help of Kevin wright, I couldn't be anymore happy with my decision. More
by Carlos
August 18, 2016
Amanda she helpe me and everything she is good Amanda she she is a good person she help me and my wife to buy are frist car she help me and all things the information the information need Amanda she she is a good person she help me and my wife to buy are frist car she help me and all things the information the information need More
by Jender Rivas campos
Employees Worked With
Amanda Botto
August 18, 2016
2016 RAV4 XLE This was my first time at this dealership and I can say it was a very positive experience! David was extremely helpful, thorough, and personable throu This was my first time at this dealership and I can say it was a very positive experience! David was extremely helpful, thorough, and personable throughout my entire experience at A-1 Toyota, even when my father was being a bit difficult during negotiations. I appreciate the fact that this particular dealership offers a bottom line price in order to ensure all customers are treated fairly and equally. He was very patient and treated me as if I were his own daughter, reassuring me that this particular vehicle (RAV4 XLE) was very safe and suitable for me as a young driver. We never felt pressured at any point during the decision making process for buying the new vehicle. More
by Lily
Employees Worked With
David Bryce
August 17, 2016
Leasing my Second Rav 4! Working with the A-1 Toyota team made my car shopping experience top notch. Quincy Smith worked with me on my first lease experience, and my return ex Working with the A-1 Toyota team made my car shopping experience top notch. Quincy Smith worked with me on my first lease experience, and my return experience for my second Rav was easier than the first. Quincy was aware of what I wanted and needed in a vehicle. He is an honest salesman and never tried to sell me a car that was not in my means. That is very hard to come by these days!.. I appreciate everything the dealership has done for me and will continue to be a repeat customer. More
by mel4324
