We actually use it a lot! The problem is, the bare subjunctive is difficult to spot. Verbs in past subjunctive look exactly like verbs in past tense, with the exception of "to be". - I wish [I had] a new car. - I wish [I were] rich enough to buy a new car. There's also present simple subjunctive, which almost always looks like present simple... basically, the verb DOESN'T change, so we only see it in cases of he/she/it, and "to be". There's a sense of importance or urgency when we use it, and it does sound rather formal. - I demand that [she apologise]. (Not "she apologises"... that actually makes no sense.) - It's important that [this matter be] taken seriously. Present simple subjunctive follows certain verbs and expressions. http://www.englishpage.com/minitutorials/subjunctive.html

Subjunctive Mood The subjunctive is used to express doubts or show hopes or wishes. It is not used very much in modern English, surviving in a few expressions such as: 'If I were you' (2nd Conditional), and expressions like: 'God save the Queen', ‘Be that as it may’, and 'So be it'. The Subjunctive mood is explained well in the following website: http://www.quickanddirtytips.com/education/grammar/subjunctive-verbs