I Wanted a 2025 Subaru Forester, So We Ditched the Porsche Macan and Our BMW and Bought Two, All Because Of Subaru’s Warm and Fuzzy Commercials

How effective are Subaru of America's TV spots? 

For Diane, who recently purchased not just one but two 2025 Subaru Foresters, the automaker's TV spots drew her in. 

Diane's decision to purchase two top-of-the-line 2025 Subaru Forester Touring trim levels was not solely based on the car's features. Her emotional connection to Subaru's warm and fuzzy holiday commercials truly sealed the deal. 

You've likely seen the roadside billboards that say, "Do Ads Work? And then below, it says, "Gotcha." They say we got you to check out our billboard, so you should spend your ad dollars with us because they work. 

We don't know how many people are affected because I've seen the same big board up for over a year as I travel I-45 from Galveston to Houston. So companies aren't standing in line trying to rent the space. 

However, how well do car commercials work?

I don't know about other automakers' car ads, but according to Diane, who took the time to write a letter to Subaru of America, its car ads that show furry friends, outdoorsy activities, and safety work well. 

So well, Diane and her husband purchased a 2025 Subaru Forester compact SUV. 

Before Diane tells her story, imagine for a minute that you see a Subaru ad on TV with a cute dog, owners having fun in the great outdoors, or an Outback owner walking away from a horrific crash unscathed. You think that's a lot like me. I have a dog that rides in the car with me. I like to go outdoors and go for a hike. Or, I want to be safe if I'm ever in an accident. 

The TV spots impact you so much that when you and your husband are considering a new vehicle, you tell your husband out of the blue one day, hey, what about a Subaru? 

Of course, he's not a bit interested. He is seeking a new luxury SUV like a BMW X6, Audi X5, or Volvo XC90. You already own a Porsche Macan and a BMW 5 Series. He's used to luxury. 

However, you don't buy a luxury BMW, Audi, or Volvo; you buy a practical 2025 Subaru Forester because you saw Subaru say it's about Love, which sticks with you.

But you aren't done with Subaru yet. 

You love your new Subaru Forester so much that you decide to trade in your Porsche Macan and buy another new Forester for your second home that you visit regularly. 

Here is Diane's story about how she and her husband had a change in perspective about Subaru.  

In a letter to Subaru of America, Diane says, "In August 2024, we, the owners of a BMW sedan, were thinking about buying a new vehicle. While my husband delved into the worlds of Audi, Volvo, and BMW, I, who had warm and fuzzy recollections of Subaru's holiday commercials - said, "What about a Subaru?" 

My husband was taken aback but did as his lovely wife recommended and quickly delved into the world of Subaru. Though the idea started on warm and fuzzy, it quickly turned into a full-fledged husband-generated mechanical/safety review. 

Within a week, my husband, his brilliant wife, and mini wiener dog were happily sporting about in our Autumn Green Metallic 2025 Subaru Forester Touring. 

Fast forward… We love our Forester so much that in October 2024 (two months after buying their Forester) - at a different location - we ditched our Porsche Macan and purchased the same Autumn Green Metallic Subaru Forester Touring. 

To finish, Diana says, "By the way, our neighbor is now intrigued (with our Subaru Forester) and is looking into a Subaru. The bottom line is that your commercials are working - the dog, outdoorsy, and safety parts. We are delighted!" 

Did Diane and her husband make a wise decision to buy a new 2025 Subaru Forester?

Buying a Forester is a step down from a luxury BMW sedan and Porsche Macan, but they did buy the top trim level Forester Touring ($41,810) with leather and all the bells and whistles. 

Diane's husband did his homework and learned how good the Forester compact SUV was. He did a full-fledged mechanical and safety review. And he was likely surprised. 

You can read my report here for more information on the next-generation 2025 Forester SUV.

You've seen the Subaru ads. Are they accurate about who the automaker is?

1. Subaru is true to its core values of making all-wheel-drive vehicles with a go-anywhere attitude. So, the outdoorsy commercials ring true because of the brand's off-pavement abilities. Customers with active lifestyles love the Subaru brand.

Subaru's excellent Symmetrical all-wheel-drive system and X-Mode technology outperform the competition. Now, Subaru offers the outdoor-themed Forester, Outback, and Crosstrek Wilderness trim levels that will get customers further off the grid.  

2. Subaru of America is a significant supporter of the American Society for the Prevention of Cruelty to Animals (ASPCA), and every October, its retailers partner with local animal organizations to help prepare shelter pets for adoption through grants administered by the ASPCA and host pets events at their store. 

Subaru says, "Pets make the world a better place, and Subaru is proud to help make the world a better place for them."

3. Safety is a core value for the brand, as shown in its vehicle's safety scores. Subaru vehicles, like the 2025 Forester, just earned a Top Safety Pick+ award from the IIHS, revealing that Subaru is serious about its customer's safety in the event of a crash.

Conclusion.

So, Subaru of America's ads are warm and fuzzy and make everyone smile. However, they get buyers in the door, and then Subaru does the rest. They aren't perfect, as you'll find out in the story below, but for the most part, they deliver on their promises. 

Have you recently purchased a new Subaru? If so, click the red Add New Comment link below and let us know.

Not all Subaru customers are happy, however. Check out my report here and find out why Jaclyn is fuming mad. Its title is: I Took My Subaru Forester In For an Oil Change, They Tell Me I Need the 60K Check-In, My Oil Change Just Cost Me $1,000, A Fatal Flaw, Never Take It To a Dealer.

I am Denis Flierl, a Senior Torque News Reporter since 2012. My 30+ year tenure in the automotive industry, initially in a consulting role with every major car brand and later as a freelance journalist test-driving new vehicles, has equipped me with a wealth of knowledge. I specialize in reporting the latest automotive news and providing expert analysis on Subaru, which you'll find here, ensuring that you, as a reader, are always well-informed and up-to-date. Follow me on my X SubaruReport, All Subaru, WRXSTI, @DenisFlierl, Facebook, and Instagram.

Photo credit: Denis Flierl via Subaru USA