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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
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
May 03, 2016
Quincy is simply the best. Quincy had the perfect blend of prompting us and allowing us to take our time to figure out which car we wanted, and when. He held our hands throughou Quincy had the perfect blend of prompting us and allowing us to take our time to figure out which car we wanted, and when. He held our hands throughout, and guided us with clear expertise to the new blue Prius we adore, with just the trimmings we like. I hope only to buy cars with him in the future, and would say that to any car shopper on the planet. More
by debbie
April 27, 2016
friendly, professional, Quincy is great I have purchased and now leased several vehicles from Quincy. I have referred other customers and will return because of my positive experiences. I wo I have purchased and now leased several vehicles from Quincy. I have referred other customers and will return because of my positive experiences. I would recommend this dealership over others that are located closer to my home because of the customer service and family-like atmosphere. More
by diana
Employees Worked With
April 25, 2016
Bad expierence with body shop I brung my 2015 highlander to get repaired after a colission we payed 27 k for repairs and the manager called me to pick up my car and surprized me wi I brung my 2015 highlander to get repaired after a colission we payed 27 k for repairs and the manager called me to pick up my car and surprized me with inside of the car was all greasey,scratched and they saud they would fix that but the next day when I came,the car was the same I even found out that that a lot of bolts were loose and unsafe to drive that car with my family.I don't know if that was a tactic to make me trade the car in and make me buy a new one. More
by Diego G
Employees Worked With
April 20, 2016
17 years of beyond excellent service! Once again my experience with A-1 Toyota and Quincy Smith was exceptional! I have lease my last 6 vehicles from A-1 and have been dealing with Quincy Once again my experience with A-1 Toyota and Quincy Smith was exceptional! I have lease my last 6 vehicles from A-1 and have been dealing with Quincy Smith on 4 of them. He always goes above and beyond for me to make sure that I get the vehicle that is right for me and always answers all of my questions/concerns...he truly makes the whole experience awesome! Paul Wright did my final paperwork and he was a true professional with a smile! I also would like to mention that even after I have leased my vehicles and I am in A-1 for service, Quincy always takes the time to say hello and make me feel like a valued customer! I really can't imagine going any where else the next time around and I highly recommend this fine dealership and of course a great salesman like Quincy! More
by JoJo
April 19, 2016
Always a pleasant and easy leasing process! I recently leased my 5th Toyota, and I work with my salesperson, Quincy, every time. Quincy is personable, dependable, and always treats me as I would I recently leased my 5th Toyota, and I work with my salesperson, Quincy, every time. Quincy is personable, dependable, and always treats me as I would expect him to treat a family member. I feel like I'm in good hands and he works to make the car leasing process fit my family's needs and be as easy as possible. I would highly recommend visiting Quincy at A-1 Toyota when YOU are in the market for a new car. More
by Ami123179
April 13, 2016
Nothing but excellence in Quincy Smith! He is the BEST! I have bought several cars over many years from Quincy and every single time, I have been extremely satisfied not only with the car I bought but also I have bought several cars over many years from Quincy and every single time, I have been extremely satisfied not only with the car I bought but also with the whole process. He is still available to me whenever I need him to answer whatever question I ask him, no matter how simple or complex, I can always count on him. I trust Quincy and having bought cars for my children as well as myself over al these years, I could not ask for better! Thank you Quincy! More
by Zouzou60
April 13, 2016
4-time Rav 4 leasee! Great service! I have been working with A1 Toyota and Quincy Smith for many years now, and would not consider going anywhere else to lease or buy any vehicle. They h I have been working with A1 Toyota and Quincy Smith for many years now, and would not consider going anywhere else to lease or buy any vehicle. They have always exceeded my expectations! More
by wandacpic
April 13, 2016
Excellent service! My salesman, Quincy Smith was terrific! I have been leasing Toyota cars for many years now. This was my first experience with Quincy Smith at A-1 Toyota. His knowledge, patience, and atten I have been leasing Toyota cars for many years now. This was my first experience with Quincy Smith at A-1 Toyota. His knowledge, patience, and attention to all my needs was first rate. No question was left unanswered. He made me understand the choices and process from start to finish. I feel like I can call him with any issue that may arise with this new vehicle. I have been highly recommending him to family and friends! More
by Helen Riviere
