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A-1 Toyota
New Haven, CT
1,145 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 1,145 reviews
May 31, 2022
All the staff at A1 is friendly and welcoming. I feel at home from the time I enter the dealership until the time I leave. This holds true every time I enter. Quincy, my sales consultant, was very I feel at home from the time I enter the dealership until the time I leave. This holds true every time I enter. Quincy, my sales consultant, was very knowledgeable and made the car buying process very easy. More
by Thauck11
May 11, 2022
Wow, just got done some preliminary work with salesperson Quincy Smith, and he was simply awesome! Super friendly, professional and patiently answered all of my questions about purchasing a car from A-1 sinc Quincy Smith, and he was simply awesome! Super friendly, professional and patiently answered all of my questions about purchasing a car from A-1 since I would be an out-of-state buyer.. Not only do I appreciate A-1 as a dealership since they are charging MSRP but no dealer markups (unlike the Toyota dealers I know of out here in Arizona!), Quincy could not have been more courteous, knowledgable and professional. I look forward to buying from A-1 and Quincy in the near future. Toyota should use A-1 and Quincy as models of how to run a dealership and how to be an outstanding sales professional--way to go!! Sincerely, Joel Klinge (Scottsdale, Arizona) More
by Joel
Employees Worked With
April 19, 2022
Gary and Kyle are the reason I come back to this dealership. This is the 5th vehicle that I’ve bought from A-1. Kyle is the best sales person I’ve ever worked with. They make me feel comfortable, an dealership. This is the 5th vehicle that I’ve bought from A-1. Kyle is the best sales person I’ve ever worked with. They make me feel comfortable, and that’s why I would never even think of shopping anywhere else. More
by Joemoss1975
February 22, 2022
We picked up our new Sienna from A1 Toyota yesterday. I can’t say enough about the positive buying experience we had. We worked with Gary and Kevin in the sales process and Paul in the finance process. I can’t say enough about the positive buying experience we had. We worked with Gary and Kevin in the sales process and Paul in the finance process. The whole process was stress free and completely non invasive. Paul found us an excellent interest rate on our loan, and Kevin gave us a very thorough tutorial on our van, especially the safety and roadside maintenance features (spare tire, tools, etc.). When it’s time for our next vehicle, we’ll look at A1 first. More
by Morrisjc2
February 17, 2022
Great dealership to do buisness with. Gerry and kevin were excellent. Very friendly and helpful highly recommend a1 toyota and certainly recommend the two gentleman. Will go back to a1 in Gerry and kevin were excellent. Very friendly and helpful highly recommend a1 toyota and certainly recommend the two gentleman. Will go back to a1 in the future and will recommend to friends and family More
by John
February 16, 2022
I am so pleased with my service and care at my dealership. They are amazing! dealership. They are amazing! More
by joelrodriguez717
Employees Worked With
December 13, 2021
The service crew is the worst in the world So rude they The service crew is the worst in the world So rude they should be trained or better saying, educated to Stay away from frustration , they don’t lik The service crew is the worst in the world So rude they should be trained or better saying, educated to Stay away from frustration , they don’t like their job. If you’re getting and not say a word , they will never ask you if you need any help, they will never talk to you , not even for good morning or good afternoon . Miserable people . Was my first and last time . I promise you you will leave that place depressed. More
by fhconst
Employees Worked With
Left service desk
November 24, 2021
We have bought multiple cars from A1 Toyota so of course we think it is a very good dealership. We didn't need to wait long for the new car we were looking for which was a pleasant surprise. Best of all w we think it is a very good dealership. We didn't need to wait long for the new car we were looking for which was a pleasant surprise. Best of all was Quincy Smith who was extremely well-informed - could answer any question - or if he needed to check on something, he checked. Quincy really knew the car inside and out, and is an outstanding instructor in the transition from analog to digital . We also enjoyed being with him during the test drives and hope we will see him next time around. More
by marian.chertow
November 10, 2021
From my first touch encounter I would describe the experience as attentive, responsive, professional and communicative especially with the supply chain issues being experienced nationally. The deliver experience as attentive, responsive, professional and communicative especially with the supply chain issues being experienced nationally. The delivery was a pleasure and the extraordinary teamwork at A1 sets an example that exceeded my expectations. A normally stressful experience leasing an automobile was a pleasure right down to the business transaction. Love my Toyota 2022 Highlander. More
by dave136
