Back

A-1 Toyota

New Haven, CT

4.6
1,143 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
Contact Dealership

50 Amity Road

New Haven, CT

06515

Directions

By Type

Showing 1,143 reviews

October 06, 2021

Puts profits above people,, I went into the dealership on Saturday to test ride a 2017 Toyota Corolla.. I did a walk around of the car before test riding it and I noticed that the rear driver side tire,, th More

by Car Shopper
Customer Service
Friendliness
Price
Recommend Dealer
No
Employees Worked With
Satinder (Sunny) Dhawan
1.0
This rating includes all reviews, with more weight given to recent reviews.
Oct 14, 2021 -

A-1 Toyota responded

When Van Jovi introduced me to you for the first time, you had seemed to already be put off by the particular vehicle. At this time the only concern that was presented to me, was the vibration/shaking feeling from the front end. I was not presented any concerns with the rear tire. While I was trying to address that one probable cause could be the CVT transmission and wanted to explain you more about it, your response to me instantly was that I was giving you BS(in your words) and you seemed upset. At that stage you did not want to deal with me. It was then after, that you pointed to the tire(until this time I was not aware of any prior conversation or concern exchanged between you and Van Jovi) and left abruptly mid- conversation. Had I known of this issue, I would have taken it into consideration as part of the overall problem. With the shortage of vehicles, we have to show vehicles, sometimes, before we have had a chance to put it through a thorough inspection. I promise you, these issues have been taken care of since your visit. In no way, was I trying to make anyone uncomfortable and when I noticed how unhappy you were with the vehicle, I didn't try to push the subject. We apologize for the presentation, these are different times that we are going through right now and normally would have more options to show, and would have stayed away from presenting this particular vehicle, but that is not your fault. So, once again I apologize for the presentation of the vehicle and for your experience. If there is any way that we can be of help, please feel free to reach out and hopefully we can repair our relationship between yourself and the dealership. We pride ourselves in customer service and will take this as a learning experience that we can grow from.

Oct 15, 2021 -

Car Shopper responded

I think your answer says it all,, my concern about the tire wasn't addressed before the test ride,, after you were introduced to me I told you I was going to pass on the car because the front end was shaking you started talking about the CVT transmission. I bent down and showed you the belt coming through the tire and my concern that that was what was making the front end shake,, your response to me was that's not it and then again you started talking about the CVT transmission,, when you came out to meet me why didn't you ask your salesman if there was any concerns about the vehicle when? I showed you the belt coming through the tire why didn't you listen to what was being said ?but instead you told me that's not it and again you started going on about the transmission,, at that point yes I left because no one was listening to what my concerns were,, and as of today you have not address the concern of why I was allowed to take a car on a test ride when the tire was faulty. You put my life and the life of your salesman in jeopardy to make a sale..

September 20, 2021

I would Like to thank Danny V. for making my experience of buying my Rav4 very pleasant and very professional, he went out of his way to do extras and went out of his way to be courteous and pleasant in ev More

by omabalsamo
Customer Service
Friendliness
Price
Recommend Dealer
Yes
Employees Worked With
Daniel Velardocchia
Sep 21, 2021 -

A-1 Toyota responded

Thank you so much for taking the time to rate and review A-1 Toyota. We appreciate the recommendation and hope you enjoy your new Rav 4 From A-1 Toyota!

September 17, 2021

This is a great dealership. I traveled from out-of-state to purchase my vehicle because the prices are so competitive. My salesman, Bobby, was conscientious and attentive. The sales manager, Hatim, was ex More

by aardvark2005
Customer Service
Friendliness
Price
Recommend Dealer
Yes
Employees Worked With
Gary Dos Reis
5.0
This rating includes all reviews, with more weight given to recent reviews.
Hatim Yousef
5.0
This rating includes all reviews, with more weight given to recent reviews.
Other Employees : Roberto (Bob-B) Ledesma
Sep 17, 2021 -

A-1 Toyota responded

Thank you so much for taking the time to rate and review A-1 Toyota. We appreciate it and look forward to working with you again in the future!

September 03, 2021

best dealership I've encountered. good customer service, and they will work with you. I've been with them for over 5 yrs and never had a problem. More

by diazc895
Customer Service
Friendliness
Price
Quality Of Work
Recommend Dealer
Yes
Employees Worked With
Kevin Wright
5.0
This rating includes all reviews, with more weight given to recent reviews.
Frank Nieves
5.0
This rating includes all reviews, with more weight given to recent reviews.
Sep 03, 2021 -

diazc895 responded

Best customer service ever

Sep 10, 2021 -

A-1 Toyota responded

Thank you so much for taking the time to rate and review A-1 Toyota. We appreciate it and look forward to working with you again in the future!

August 07, 2021

I would like to again thank my sales person Quincy Smith, for again guiding me through the process of leasing a new vehicle. He is thoughtful, so knowledgeable and really listens to what my particular needs More

by Helen Riviere
Customer Service
Friendliness
Price
Recommend Dealer
Yes
Employees Worked With
Quincy Smith
5.0
This rating includes all reviews, with more weight given to recent reviews.
Aug 09, 2021 -

A-1 Toyota responded

Thank you so much for taking the time to rate and review A-1 Toyota. We appreciate it and look forward to working with you again in the future! Until then we hope you enjoy your new Corolla Hybrid!

July 27, 2021

The whole experience was positive, all my questions answered promptly and, actually, cheerfully, an unexpected bonus. The price was competitive.from the get go without any negotiation. More

by rmeinrath
Customer Service
Friendliness
Price
Recommend Dealer
Yes
Employees Worked With
Quincy Smith
5.0
This rating includes all reviews, with more weight given to recent reviews.
Eddie Oliveras
5.0
This rating includes all reviews, with more weight given to recent reviews.
Jul 29, 2021 -

A-1 Toyota responded

Thank you so much for taking the time to rate and review A-1 Toyota. We appreciate it and look forward to working with you again in the future!

July 18, 2021

I’d like to start by thanking my agent(Quincy).He has been amazing; he listened to what my needs were assessed what I wanted and fulfilled my wishes. Quincy is easygoing; dependable and diligent… After More

by Contemt
Customer Service
Friendliness
Price
Recommend Dealer
Yes
Employees Worked With
Quincy Smith
5.0
This rating includes all reviews, with more weight given to recent reviews.
Jul 20, 2021 -

A-1 Toyota responded

Thank you so much for taking the time to rate and review A-1 Toyota. We appreciate it and look forward to working with you again in the future!

July 12, 2021

I knew Dado from 11 years ago when I was shopping for a Hybrid Highlander. I finally choose a Lexus RX 450H since the price was attractive. He congratulated me for a very good choice. When 2021 Rav4 Prim More

by changjxin
Customer Service
Friendliness
Price
Recommend Dealer
Yes
Employees Worked With
Fariz -Dado Dadic
5.0
This rating includes all reviews, with more weight given to recent reviews.
Jul 15, 2021 -

A-1 Toyota responded

changjxin - thank you so much for taking the time to rate and review A-1 Toyota. We appreciate it and look forward to working with you again in the future!

July 09, 2021

I have leased/purchased all my vehicles from A1 for the last 13 years. I have never been disappointed. An enjoyable experience, excellent customer service! More

by sburke1
Customer Service
Friendliness
Price
Recommend Dealer
Yes
Employees Worked With
Stephen Wheeler, Jr.
5.0
This rating includes all reviews, with more weight given to recent reviews.
Kevin Wheeler, Jr.
5.0
This rating includes all reviews, with more weight given to recent reviews.
Fariz -Dado Dadic
5.0
This rating includes all reviews, with more weight given to recent reviews.
Frank Nieves
5.0
This rating includes all reviews, with more weight given to recent reviews.
Satinder (Sunny) Dhawan
5.0
This rating includes all reviews, with more weight given to recent reviews.
Jul 12, 2021 -

A-1 Toyota responded

Thank you so much for your kind words and over 13 years of loyalty! We appreciate it and look forward to working with you again in the future at A-1 Toyota!

June 29, 2021

I recently leased a Prius Prime through A1 Toyota and had the best experience ever!! I want to thank Quincy and the rest of the staff that helped make the transaction smooth!! Hands down I would recommend More

by eeleon72
Customer Service
Friendliness
Price
Recommend Dealer
Yes
Employees Worked With
Quincy Smith
5.0
This rating includes all reviews, with more weight given to recent reviews.
Frank Crisafi
5.0
This rating includes all reviews, with more weight given to recent reviews.
Jul 02, 2021 -

A-1 Toyota responded

Thank you so much for your kind words! We appreciate it and look forward to working with you again in the future!

...
6
...