McGrath Evanston Subaru Dealership History - Chicago

When you look for a car dealership, you want more than just a place to buy a vehicle. You want a team that understands trust, family values, and community connection. That is the heart of McGrath Evanston Subaru. The McGrath Evanston Subaru Dealership History in Chicago, IL, goes back six decades, and the story is built on family ownership, honesty, and a commitment to giving back. Today, our dealership in Skokie continues that tradition by helping drivers across Evanston, Chicago, and nearby suburbs find and care for their Subaru vehicles.

The Origins and Founding of McGrath Evanston Subaru

The McGrath story begins in 1964 when Leo McGrath opened his first Buick dealership in Elgin, Illinois. He started small but built his business on the belief that customers should always come first. That simple idea shaped everything that followed and set the foundation for what became a family-owned automotive legacy.

In 2021, the McGrath family added Subaru Evanston in Skokie to their group of dealerships. Located at 3340 Oakton St, Skokie, IL 60076, this store made it easier for families in Evanston, Skokie, and the North Shore to have a trusted local Subaru dealer. From the very beginning, the dealership carried forward the family's reputation for treating every customer like a neighbor.

If you search for Evanston Subaru, Skokie, or Subaru Evanston, what you will find today is not just another car lot but part of a family tradition that started nearly 60 years ago.

McGrath Family Legacy in Chicago's Automotive Landscape

Leo's son, Michael McGrath Sr., took the vision even further and grew from one dealership into six flourishing outlets across the Chicago area. By 1970, he had developed the Heritage Auto Village Complex, showing that the family was willing to grow while staying true to their values.

Michael Sr. became known as a business leader and as someone who shaped the local auto industry. As president of the Chicago Auto Dealer Trade Association, he always pushed to develop the industry in the area. In 2018, he received the AIADA Lifetime Achievement Award, honoring both his leadership and his dedication to his community.

Alongside his wife, Kristina, Michael Sr. also invested in local causes. They supported education and made generous donations to Northern Illinois University, his alma mater. These efforts highlighted that the McGrath legacy was always about more than selling cars.

McGrath dealerships stand apart from other Chicago Subaru dealers and big corporations because they focus on family values and the local community. When you come to us, you are dealing with a team rooted in the same community where you live and work.

Evolution of McGrath Evanston Subaru Through the Decades

Over the past six decades, the McGrath family has proven that success comes with consistency. Even as the car industry underwent a complete transformation during this period, the focus on customer care never shifted.

In 2015, Michael Sr.'s sons, Kevin and Mike Jr., took over and wanted to keep the family business going while sticking to the values it was known for. When they bought the Subaru dealership in 2021, they used the same approach that had been working since 1964.

While other dealerships might just focus on sales, we at McGrath believe in creating lasting bonds with our customers. Many families in Chicago and the suburbs have purchased multiple vehicles with us over the years, and that loyalty speaks volumes. Even as online sales, new financing tools, and changing buyer habits evolved the auto market, the family-run mindset made sure the personal touch was never lost.

That's one reason our customers return. They know they can count on us to make the process straightforward and respectful.

Subaru Brand Partnership and Dealership Growth

Partnering with Subaru opened up even more ways for us to get involved with the local community. Subaru has always been a brand that values safety, reliability, and social responsibility, which lines up perfectly with how McGrath does business.

Through the Subaru Love Promise, the dealership has supported organizations that matter most to local families. We have worked with Evanston Township High School, the Evanston Public Library, and the Evanston Chamber of Commerce. We have sponsored events like Strut for Strays with the Evanston Animal Shelter and programs like Subaru Loves to Care and Subaru Loves to Read. These initiatives allow us to give back in meaningful ways, whether it is helping kids get access to books or supporting local animal welfare.

In 2025, Subaru of America presented us with its Love Promise Customer and Community Commitment Award, recognizing our dedication to service. This honor goes only to select dealers who consistently provide outstanding customer experiences while actively supporting their communities.

Our reviews highlight that same commitment. If you look up McGrath Evanston Subaru reviews, you'll find people talk about clear communication, attentive staff, and reliable service as primary reasons that keep them coming back. For drivers looking for trustworthy Subaru service, McGrath Evanston Subaru has become a go-to spot in the Chicago area. If you are curious about our service center, our team is always ready to help. You can contact us to learn more about maintenance options or to ask questions about your Subaru.

How To Schedule A Test Drive

When you are ready to experience a Subaru, scheduling a test drive is simple with us. Just pick a time and date that works, and we'll get the car ready for you. You get 30 minutes behind the wheel, which gives you plenty of time to see how it feels on local roads.

We're located in Skokie, a quick trip from Evanston, Morton Grove, Lincolnwood, and Chicago. Whether you are testing a Subaru Outback for family road trips or a Subaru Crosstrek for city commutes, you will find the right fit here. Before you stop by, you can browse our latest Subaru inventory online to see what is available.

Carrying the McGrath Legacy Forward

The McGrath Evanston Subaru Dealership History in Chicago, IL, is not just about selling cars. It is a story of family values, community leadership, and customer relationships carried through decades of change. Stop by our dealership in Skokie and see for yourself why McGrath Evanston Subaru continues to be part of so many local stories.