In 1969, David Lum opened the doors of a small dealership in Astoria, Oregon, with a simple idea: treat customers like neighbors, not transactions. That idea has carried through three generations and hundreds of miles, landing right here in Walla Walla, Washington. This is the story of how that family business turned into a Toyota dealership in Walla Walla, WA that locals trust, and why that history still shapes how we do business today.
A Toyota Dealership in Walla Walla, WA Rooted in Family Legacy
We're not a corporate franchise that parachuted into town. We're a family-owned dealership with roots that stretch back to 1969, and that history matters to how we treat every customer who walks through our doors. We've spent over five decades learning that trust gets earned one honest interaction at a time, and that's really what sets us apart from other dealerships in the area. If you'd like to see that difference for yourself, you can contact our team anytime.
The Lum Family Story: From Astoria Beginnings to Walla Walla Today
Every family business has an origin point. Ours starts on the Oregon coast, decades before we existed here in Walla Walla.
David Lum's Founding Vision in 1969
David Lum founded Toyota of Astoria in 1969 with three business partners, betting on a brand that was still relatively new to American drivers at the time. He built the business around customer-first service and straightforward dealings, which wasn't exactly standard practice in the car business back then. By the 1990s, the Lum family had bought out their partners and became sole owners, turning the dealership into a true family operation. That early commitment to transparency and quality set a standard the family has carried into every dealership they've operated since, including ours in Walla Walla. You can learn more about our history and how it connects to what we do today.
Carrying the Legacy Forward: Lori, Julie, and Pam Lum
David and Shirley Lum's daughters, Lori Lum, Julie Lum, and Pam Lum, now lead the family's dealership operations. They grew up around the business and understand that customers expect more than a sales pitch; they expect follow-through. Their leadership balances what worked for their father with how car buyers actually shop today.
On May 14, 2021, the family's acquisition of the Walla Walla store became official, and the dealership was renamed Walla Walla Toyota. Justin Teubner moved over from the family's Warrenton store to oversee daily operations, bringing established Lum family practices with him. Around 30 employees stayed on through the transition, which tells you this was a continuation of culture rather than a corporate overhaul.
Over 50 Years of Trusted Family-Owned Customer Care
The throughline in every Lum family dealership, going back to 1969, has been care that feels personal rather than transactional. That's the foundation our service and sales are built on today.
Community-First Service Philosophy
Justin Teubner put it simply: "We want to connect with the city… It started with a genuine desire to connect with the community." That's not a marketing line. It's the operating philosophy behind how our team approaches every customer interaction, whether someone is buying their first car or bringing in a longtime vehicle for maintenance. We serve drivers throughout Walla Walla, College Place, and Milton Freewater, and we treat each visit as a chance to reinforce that community connection rather than just close a sale.
Transparent Pricing You Can Count On
Nobody enjoys feeling like they're being talked into something at a car dealership. Our team focuses on clear communication throughout the buying and service process, so customers understand exactly what they're paying for and why. That approach traces straight back to David Lum's original philosophy from 1969: build trust through honesty, not pressure tactics. It's a big part of why our reviews often mention feeling respected rather than rushed.
What Makes Today's Walla Walla Toyota Experience Different
We've updated the building plenty of times since 1969. The values inside it haven't moved much at all.
Modern Showroom, Timeless Family Values
Our showroom offers comfortable seating, Wi-Fi, a TV, coffee, water, fresh-baked cookies, and even a latte and cappuccino machine for anyone who wants a proper break while they wait. Underneath those modern comforts, the same family values that guided David Lum's original store still guide ours. Our service department relies on Toyota-trained technicians and Genuine Toyota parts, so repairs and maintenance are handled by people who know these vehicles inside and out. If you need to schedule maintenance, our service center team makes it easy to book an appointment that fits your schedule.
Genuine Commitment to the Walla Walla Valley
Being part of the Walla Walla Valley means more to us than having a storefront here. We sponsor local organizations and programs focused on youth and education, along with health and wellness initiatives, and we welcome sponsorship and donation requests from groups doing meaningful work in the area. It's the same community-first approach the Lum family practiced back in Astoria, just applied here in Walla Walla now. David Lum's 2006 Quality Dealer Award from Time Magazine is one marker of that long-term commitment to doing business the right way instead of chasing volume.
Explore New and Used Toyota Vehicles Today
Whether you're looking for a dependable commuter car or something built for Walla Walla's varied terrain, our inventory reflects the engineering Toyota Motor Corporation puts into every model. Our current new vehicle lineup includes the Camry, a reliable sedan with available hybrid powertrain options; the RAV4, a versatile compact SUV also offered as a hybrid; the Corolla, a practical and efficient choice for daily driving; and the Tacoma, built for work and off-road capability.
If you'd rather explore pre-owned options, our used inventory includes vehicles that go through a multi-point inspection before they reach the lot, and our TCUV (Toyota Certified Used Vehicles) program adds extra assurance with a 160-point inspection, a 12-month/12,000-mile comprehensive warranty, a 7-year/100,000-mile powertrain warranty, one year of roadside assistance, and a CARFAX vehicle history report, all backed by standard new-car financing rates.
Kelley Blue Book has given our dealership a 4.8-star rating based on customer reviews. That's a third-party retailer rating rather than a Toyota-brand score, but it's still a strong trust signal. Browse our new Toyota inventory or check out our used vehicle selection and certified pre-owned lineup to see what's currently available.
Financing and Trade-In Support From a Dealer You Can Trust
Buying a car involves more than picking a model. Our finance center works with local and national lenders to find financing solutions that fit different budgets and circumstances, including options for first-time buyers and military members. We work with traditional loans and leases, and occasionally have promotional financing available for qualified buyers. We also offer digital tools that let you calculate payments, value a trade-in, or get pre-approved before you even step onto the lot. We accept trade-ins of any make, model, or condition, and our appraisals are honest rather than lowball offers designed to pad our margins.
Every new Toyota purchase or lease also comes with ToyotaCare, a no-cost maintenance plan covering factory scheduled service for two years or 25,000 miles, plus 24-hour roadside assistance with no mileage limit. Coverage terms vary by model year, so ask our team what applies to the vehicle you're considering. Explore your financing options or reach out to our team with questions about what might work best for you.
Visit Us: Location, Hours, and Contact Information
You'll find us at 606 N Wilbur Ave, Walla Walla, WA 99362, easy to reach whether you're coming from downtown Walla Walla or driving in from College Place or Milton Freewater. Our sales team is available Monday through Friday from 8:30 AM to 6:30 PM, Saturday from 9 AM to 6 PM, and Sunday from 10 AM to 5 PM. Service runs Monday through Friday from 7:30 AM to 5:30 PM, and parts from 8 AM to 5:30 PM, so if you're dropping off before work, service opens an hour before sales does. Weekend service and parts availability can vary, so give us a call at 509-525-1920 before planning a Saturday visit.
Experience the Lum Family Difference: Visit or Browse Inventory Today
Since 1969, one family, and a simple commitment to treating customers like neighbors. That's the short version of our timeline, and it's still how we operate every day at our Toyota dealership in Walla Walla, WA.
Why Drivers Keep Choosing Us
Factory-trained technicians and Genuine Toyota parts mean your vehicle gets serviced correctly the first time
Honest trade-in appraisals mean you won't feel shortchanged when you're ready for something new
Every new Toyota comes with ToyotaCare, giving you peace of mind long after you drive off the lot
Come See Us
If you're searching for a Toyota Walla Walla WA dealership that treats you like family because, honestly, that's exactly what we're trying to do, we'd love to meet you. Contact us today to schedule a visit or ask a question, and come see why so many Walla Walla drivers keep coming back to us.