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A-1 Toyota
New Haven, CT
1,141 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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Service Price Transparency
Trade-in Experience
Purchase Time
Finance Experience
Workmanship
Service Time
Service Communication
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 1,141 reviews
March 23, 2019
Salesmen was extremely knowledgeable and helpful! The salesman went above and beyond to answer all questions not only descriptive but also using visuals, pamphlets and lots of hands on test drives. The salesman went above and beyond to answer all questions not only descriptive but also using visuals, pamphlets and lots of hands on test drives. He was very patient, courteous and friendly. More
by Brenda
Employees Worked With
Helpful March 21, 2019
Honest dealers. They cared about me. I had a negate experience at another local Toyota dealer when I leased from them a few months ago. They overcharged me and didn’t treat me in a way th I had a negate experience at another local Toyota dealer when I leased from them a few months ago. They overcharged me and didn’t treat me in a way that made me feel like I was a valued customer. I went to A1 for help and they made it possible for me to get out of the lease and buy a Rav4 Hybrid that I love. I felt like queen for a day when I bought the car. When I go there for service, they continue to make me feel this way. This is the 3rd car I bought from them and each experience has been excellent. More
by MeriMH
March 21, 2019
Great sales help Great dealership very clean wide variety friendly sales crew. Exelent finance department detailed my truck beautify it was a pleasure doing business t Great dealership very clean wide variety friendly sales crew. Exelent finance department detailed my truck beautify it was a pleasure doing business there everyone was great More
by John ONeill
March 21, 2019
Made car purchase easy and hassle free Have gone to their service dept for years because they're the best. Experience with the sales team was great as well, making things as quick, eas Have gone to their service dept for years because they're the best. Experience with the sales team was great as well, making things as quick, easy, and hassle free as possible. More
by Jamie121
March 08, 2019
Pain-free auto shopping Kevin was courteous, and relaxed - no hype or pressure for a sale. He was familiar and knowledgeable about the vehicle we were interested in. One coul Kevin was courteous, and relaxed - no hype or pressure for a sale. He was familiar and knowledgeable about the vehicle we were interested in. One could tell he was proud of the dealership’s long history and the service they provide. He led us patiently through the paperwork. We felt great about our entire experience: start to finish. More
by Linda
Employees Worked With
March 06, 2019
Rating of Geoffrey Dahill My review of the experience is wonderful. The politeness, kind, and consideration of our time was deeply appreciated. I have already recommended him t My review of the experience is wonderful. The politeness, kind, and consideration of our time was deeply appreciated. I have already recommended him to my friends. More
by DianaM
March 04, 2019
fair and professional I had the pleasure of working with Frank Mikolike in looking for a car. He was very patient and listened to what I was looking for. He answered all my I had the pleasure of working with Frank Mikolike in looking for a car. He was very patient and listened to what I was looking for. He answered all my questions, proposed options and was very honest with the process. He exhibited confidence and inspired trust, and I felt very lucky to have worked him in finding a car because I know that I found the best option I could get. A1 Toyota also offers outstanding service and great deals for care of your new car. I highly recommend this dealership if you are looking for a car. More
by VivianO
Employees Worked With
Frank Mikolike, Jr.
March 01, 2019
Quietly Quincy Soft spoken, warm, kind, sensitive, loyal, honest, polite, trustworthy, patient, interested, caring...not the usual descriptors of a car salesman! Pl Soft spoken, warm, kind, sensitive, loyal, honest, polite, trustworthy, patient, interested, caring...not the usual descriptors of a car salesman! Plus, he’s a Toyota expert, fitting me twice with the perfect car and offering what I truly believe is heartfelt assurance. A1 has changed my life and I have Quincy to thank for getting me into your family! More
by Marmal
Employees Worked With
Other Employees :
Eric Yaworowski, Justin Loomer
March 01, 2019
Excellent Customer Service First I would like to give honor to God and thank Him for answering my prayers. This is my second 4 Runner. I purchased my first in 2004 and still run First I would like to give honor to God and thank Him for answering my prayers. This is my second 4 Runner. I purchased my first in 2004 and still running. Quincy Smith was the salesman I had the pleasure of working with the first time and again with this vehicle. He made my experience enjoyable. His expertise and confidence in the company and it's product assured me I was making the right purchase again. Frank helped me get the best rate and Gary gave me a more than fair deal for my trade. I appreciate the experience of honesty, integrity and excellent Customer service. Quincy Smith is the bomb.com and should be in line for a promotion...Great Salesman. Thank you again for the experience. Laura Stewart. More
by Agape Love laura
February 28, 2019
Happy with our purchase. Frank was very helpful in the purchase of our new to us certified preowned vehicle. We experienced a few kinks along the way, but in the end, the deal Frank was very helpful in the purchase of our new to us certified preowned vehicle. We experienced a few kinks along the way, but in the end, the dealer went above and beyond in making sure that we came home with a safe and reliable vehicle to meet our families needs. More
by newcarowner
