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A-1 Toyota
New Haven, CT
1,148 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 1,148 reviews
July 03, 2017
Easy, fast and fair Toyota lease! I cannot compliment Eddie enough for his professionalism, expertise and honesty when I came in to lease my Toyota. He took care of me like I was famil I cannot compliment Eddie enough for his professionalism, expertise and honesty when I came in to lease my Toyota. He took care of me like I was family and made the process so easy. He was very knowledgeable and helpful in terms of advice about what car would be best for my needs. Also, all the fees and charges were laid out immediately and there were no tricks about extra fees later when I signed the paperwork. He also worked with me to get me the best deal on the car I wanted, even in the color I wanted too! I would ask for Eddie if you go to A1 Toyota! More
by CT99
Employees Worked With
June 30, 2017
Outstanding service! I purchased a Camry one week ago. The staff and service was outstanding. They were professional, courteous and HONEST. There was no pressure or fast t I purchased a Camry one week ago. The staff and service was outstanding. They were professional, courteous and HONEST. There was no pressure or fast talk. They got straight to the point and gave me a great deal. I drove my car out the same day. I've purchased from many dealerships in the past. These guys were the best. More
by GaroG
June 30, 2017
Very pleased Quincy Quincy and Carlos were very professional in the way he dealt with us also very friendly over all I'm very happy I would recommend highly Quincy and Carlos were very professional in the way he dealt with us also very friendly over all I'm very happy I would recommend highly More
by Frank1
June 27, 2017
Amazing service! Devon was extremely helpful to me when I was picking out my first car! Her knowledge of the various cars and kindness really showed! I felt confident Devon was extremely helpful to me when I was picking out my first car! Her knowledge of the various cars and kindness really showed! I felt confident in my car selection and she definitely helped with that! I would highly recommend Devon to anyone that wants excellent service! More
by Hens19717
Employees Worked With
Devon Delaney
June 27, 2017
poor follow up Although the experience of leasing my vehicle was excellent, i can't say the same about my service experience. i took my car to get rid off the smoke Although the experience of leasing my vehicle was excellent, i can't say the same about my service experience. i took my car to get rid off the smoke smell from the previous owner. after they told my sales rep they would give me a loaner, the day before they told me for that type of job a loaner wasn't available. then after we work things out and left the car for service when i picked the car up i noticed my windshield was cracked. i brought to their attention, needles to say how upset i was , 3 different persons "in suits" came outside telling me that couldn't happened there but that they were going to look at video to make sure and they were going to call me the next day to let me know what they saw. bottom line no calls, no contact from any one... a windshield is no big deal but when you talk a big game just follow trough.... More
by Edwin Gomez
Employees Worked With
not sure
June 24, 2017
My first lease This was my first leasing experience. It went better than I expected. I was in a jam due to my car breaking down. An I needed a vehicle immediately. M This was my first leasing experience. It went better than I expected. I was in a jam due to my car breaking down. An I needed a vehicle immediately. My appointment with Kevin Wright went great. He was resourceful and helpful. And due to this I ended up with my first lease. Thanks Kevin W. More
by JH
June 21, 2017
Outstanding service provided by Amanda The sales woman I conducted my business with was Amanda Botto. She made sure that I was able to get into my dream vehicle and went above and beyond to The sales woman I conducted my business with was Amanda Botto. She made sure that I was able to get into my dream vehicle and went above and beyond to ensure that everything was done as quickly and simply as possible. She did not try to force the sale and let things flow naturally. It made for a great car shopping experience and I would definitely recommend her and the dealership to anyone/everyone More
by Blerner28
Employees Worked With
Amanda Botto
June 19, 2017
Loving my Toyota ! Buying a Toyota was an A-1 experience. The salesman (Quincy) was patient and informative. He took time to find the perfect car for me. From first wa Buying a Toyota was an A-1 experience. The salesman (Quincy) was patient and informative. He took time to find the perfect car for me. From first walking onto the lot "just looking " for a car to driving out with a brand new one, was a pleasurable and hazzle free experience. More
by MFran17
June 17, 2017
Excellent customer service Kevin Wright made the experience of purchasing a previously owned car as easy as possible. The day that I arrived to begin the search for a car, he wa Kevin Wright made the experience of purchasing a previously owned car as easy as possible. The day that I arrived to begin the search for a car, he was able to show me one that had just arrived and was everything that I was looking for. He assisted me every step of the way to complete the purchase and his knowledge and competence were outstanding but what I appreciated even more was his kindness and attention to detail: he even set the clock on the car for me the day I picked it up. I will certainly continue to do business with A-1 Toyota where I have been having my vehicles serviced for years. Thank you to Kevin Wright and everyone who helped me with this purchase! I am very grateful. Patricia H More
by gratefulcustomeropatricia
June 15, 2017
Great experience at A1 Toyota Kevin was very knowledgeable and friendly. I cared less about the perks of the dealership than the car itself, and at first too much time was spent ta Kevin was very knowledgeable and friendly. I cared less about the perks of the dealership than the car itself, and at first too much time was spent talking about the dealership, but when we eventually got to discussing the car and taking a test drive, it was helpful to have Kevin's knowledge of the vehicle. One good thing was that he sat with a piece of paper and wrote down my preferences, monthly budget, etc. and then presented a monthly payment that was lower than what I had indicated. In the end I decided to purchase a different make/model of car at another dealership because of preference for that vehicle but given my experience, I would definitely consider purchasing a Toyota here in the future. More
by JRG
Employees Worked With
