McGrath Evanston Subaru Dealership History

When you're hunting for a car dealership that understands what community really means, McGrath Evanston Subaru stands out. Spanning six decades, the history of our dealership is the story of the McGrath family's passion and dedication. Since the 1960s, we've worked to build something special for drivers in the Chicago area: a name based on trust, honesty, and care for everyone who walks through our doors.

Origins of McGrath Evanston Subaru

The story of McGrath Evanston Subaru in Skokie, Illinois, is rooted firmly in the history of Chicago's car scene. The dealership joined the McGrath family in 2021, continuing a legacy that began back in 1964. That year, Leo McGrath took a chance and opened his first Buick dealership in Elgin, Illinois, setting the stage for what would grow into a family business built on putting customers first.

The Influence of Michael McGrath, Sr.

You can't tell the McGrath Evanston Subaru story without talking about Michael McGrath, Sr., the man who grew one dealership into six successful locations across the area. He started in Elgin, learning from his dad at McGrath Buick, before acquiring additional franchises and developing them into the impressive Heritage Auto Village Complex by 1970. With big ideas beyond just moving inventory, Michael Sr.’s approach was built on direct and honest communication, an approach that still guides how we work today.

Michael McGrath, Sr.’s impact was recognized in 2018 when he received the AIADA Lifetime Achievement Award for his leadership and community work. He also served as President of the Chicago Auto Dealer Trade Association, demonstrating his dedication to improving the local auto industry. Outside of work, Michael Sr. and his wife Kristina were committed to philanthropic activities in the local area. Alongside many other organizations, they made major donations to Michael Sr.’s alma mater, Northern Illinois University.

Founding Vision and Family-Owned Heritage

What makes McGrath Evanston Subaru different in today's corporate car world is our commitment to family ownership and the personal touch that comes with it. For over 60 years, the McGrath family built their reputation on the simple but powerful belief that every customer deserves exceptional service tailored to their individual needs. It's this vision that still drives everything we do, from oil changes to new car sales.

When Michael Sr.’s sons Kevin and Mike Jr. bought the family dealerships in 2015, they weren't just taking over a business — they were taking on the responsibility of nurturing the family's legacy for the next generation. This family-run approach means that when you visit McGrath Evanston Subaru, you're not facing corporate rules and distant bosses. You're working with people who actually care if you're happy and who want to see you come back next time you need a car.

Evolution Over the Years

The McGrath Evanston Subaru dealership history shows how we've stuck to our values while adapting to changes in the industry. From the very beginning in 1964 to acquiring the Subaru dealership in 2021, we've grown to meet what customers want without losing what makes us special. We've kept our promise of great service and personal attention even as car sales moved online and big corporations bought up smaller dealers.

We attribute our growth to our understanding of what Chicago-area drivers care about and our commitment to serving this over chasing trends. While other dealers obsessed over sales numbers and profit margins, we kept building relationships and helping our community. This approach helped us keep going through economic downturns, industry shake-ups, and changes in buyer habits. By adapting where necessary but always staying true to ourselves, we've become the go-to car partner for families across multiple generations.

Milestones and Achievements

One standout part of McGrath Evanston Subaru's journey has been our commitment to giving back through the Subaru Love Promise. Through this initiative, we're able to make a positive impact in our community by backing various causes focused on education, animal welfare, and the environment.

Our local partnerships say a lot about who we really are. We actively support Evanston Township High School, Evanston Public Library, and Evanston Chamber of Commerce, putting our money where our mouth is when it comes to championing education and local business. We've been involved with events such as Strut for Strays, a yearly walk/run for the Evanston Animal Shelter, as well as programs such as Subaru Loves to Care, which helps those in need, and Subaru Loves to Read, which gets books to kids who need them.

These aren't just PR stunts or one-off donations — they're part of who we are at McGrath Subaru. Joining community events, backing local sports teams, and helping with charity work year-round has allowed us to build connections that go way beyond just selling cars. We're proud to have created a network of goodwill that makes everyone better off.

Expansion and Growth in Skokie, Illinois

Moving to Skokie, Illinois, has enabled us to better serve our growing customer base across the area. This spot puts us right between several communities, including Evanston, Morton Grove, Lincolnwood, and Chicago. We chose Skokie because we know where our customers live and work, and we want to make it easy for the families who count on us to reach us.

At our new location, you'll find service bays staffed by exceptional mechanics who know Subarus inside and out, ready to provide faster, better service with the same personal attention you expect from us. The bigger space also means more cars in stock, comfier waiting areas, and the ability to handle tougher repairs without sending you somewhere else.

Continuing the Legacy of Excellence Today

Our history has led to what you see today: a trusted Skokie car dealership that combines decades of knowledge and experience with genuine concern for each customer. Our customer testimonials frequently mention our fast service, clear communication, and fair prices. That's what you can expect from a family-owned business that puts relationships first.

Whether it's your first Subaru or you're coming back for your fifth, we'll make sure your experience is smooth and enjoyable. Stop by or contact us today, and find out why so many Chicago-area families trust us with their cars.