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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
May 26, 2016
Ralph is the best! I refuse to get my car serviced anywhere that isn't A-1 Toyota. Not only do they do a great job, but they provide excellent customer service. I usua I refuse to get my car serviced anywhere that isn't A-1 Toyota. Not only do they do a great job, but they provide excellent customer service. I usually work with Ralph from the body shop when someone hits me and I need work done on my vehicle. Recently, I was hit by someone and my right side mirror was completely knocked off. Ralph helped me and made me feel like I didn't have to worry about anything! He took care of all the annoying and tedious back and forth between insurance companies. A few months after fixing my car, I noticed my mirror malfunctioning again. There was internal damage that was not found after assessing the accident the first time. After servicing my Camery, Ralph was able to get the insurance company from the accident prior to reimburse me for what I had to put into it. Ralph, as well as the other A-1 Toyota staff, were very pleasant and I will continue to be a loyal customer as long as they remain pleasant service providers. Also, for servicing your car, go see Tariq in Services! He's great as well! More
by Kookeliciou
May 23, 2016
extremely pleasant experience !!!! it is so nice to go to a dealership and not be hassled or pressured to buy. they gave us their bottom line price and they even gave us 24 hrs to think it is so nice to go to a dealership and not be hassled or pressured to buy. they gave us their bottom line price and they even gave us 24 hrs to think about it. and held it for us without a deposit. this is our 4th vehicle purchase from a1 toyota and our 3rd from same employee quincy smith. quincy is great to work with and he doesn't forget you we always call him when we want a new car. More
by Al
Employees Worked With
Other Employees :
John Durrani, Carlos Orozco, Chelsy Piscitelli
May 16, 2016
Totally satisfying service!!! Patrick, my salesman was awesome!!! He made the whole car buying experience enjoyable. He explained everything in detail and answered all of my questi Patrick, my salesman was awesome!!! He made the whole car buying experience enjoyable. He explained everything in detail and answered all of my questions. He made nome feel comfortable right from the beginning and listened to what I wanted in a car instead of pressuring me to buy something that I did not want. Carlos, my financial advisor, was also fantastic. The entire process was so easy. I highly recommend A 1 Toyota - 5 stars. More
by jj63
Employees Worked With
Carlos Orozco, Patrick Campbell
May 15, 2016
Love the family feel of this dealership Well this was not my first car purchased here or the last after the overall comfort level I received. I recently had an accident with my Scion Xb and Well this was not my first car purchased here or the last after the overall comfort level I received. I recently had an accident with my Scion Xb and needed a total replacement. Working with David, Angel and Hatim, I was able to come in extremely close to my previous payments and drove out with the same style Scion that I loved. The comfort level was as if I was going to visit your best friend from high school. Now that's how a dealership should be. More
by MrSeanTea
May 14, 2016
new car purchase i have been dealing with A 1 toyota for 20 years their service has always been great they have always been able to provide me with the vehicle i wante i have been dealing with A 1 toyota for 20 years their service has always been great they have always been able to provide me with the vehicle i wanted and spent time explaining all the features of the car More
by tomjack2
Employees Worked With
Danielle Taylor
May 12, 2016
Leasing a new vechile Once again, I've really enjoyed the outstanding customer service with purchasing a new vehicle. I certainly recommend this facility for people interes Once again, I've really enjoyed the outstanding customer service with purchasing a new vehicle. I certainly recommend this facility for people interested in leasing or purchasing a car. More
by JaneenC
May 09, 2016
outstanding attention quincy was exceptional in his attention and politness. have been doing business with him for over fifteen years and will continue with my wife's and s quincy was exceptional in his attention and politness. have been doing business with him for over fifteen years and will continue with my wife's and son's car from your dealership. always deal with Quincy.. More
by parsley76
Employees Worked With
May 09, 2016
Buying a 2016 Rav4. Quincy Smith and his support team were phenomenal. Quincy's attention to detail regarding every aspect of the 2016 Rav4 and the buying transaction w Quincy Smith and his support team were phenomenal. Quincy's attention to detail regarding every aspect of the 2016 Rav4 and the buying transaction were outstanding. And so was Carlos., the finance person. Jane and I couldn't have asked for a more satisfying and seamless experience. A-1 will always be the only Toyota dealer for me -- and my four kids, all of whom have purchased Toyotas at A-1. More
by Scott22
May 09, 2016
Service department just wants your money Absolutely zero stars for the way they treated me last service. Took my car in for a service and the Service Advisor calls the next day saying my tire Absolutely zero stars for the way they treated me last service. Took my car in for a service and the Service Advisor calls the next day saying my tires are worn down to the indicators. This seemed clearly wrong to me as I had them replaced only 25k miles prior. I was also planning on going abroad for the winter months so I declined the offer to put on new tires ("only" $550) and took the car to be stored in a friend's garage while I was gone. After returning stateside last week I took the car down to Sam's Club where I purchased the tires and had them take a look. Gentleman there said I still had 5/32" of tread left and it would be an absolute waste to replace them now, as I still had 2-3 months of wear on the front tires (more for the rear). I expect a certain amount of upselling but what these guys tried to pull was borderline fraud in my mind. Will be taking my business elsewhere as they've lost my trust. More
by somekid007
Employees Worked With
Anthony Horan
May 08, 2016
A-1toyota l like the name is number 1 for everything. Salesman (Kevin)and finance (angel) are very good and patiently explained for me and I fell everyone are v l like the name is number 1 for everything. Salesman (Kevin)and finance (angel) are very good and patiently explained for me and I fell everyone are very kind when I was there. I am so happy go to A-1 Toyota and buy car on there More
by Behe30178@yahoo.com
