The Ford Mustang is perhaps America’s most iconic sports car, winning over Bakersfield drivers who crave that perfect mix of power and style for exploring California’s gorgeous landscapes. From our Central Valley highways to the twisty coastal routes just a couple of hours away, Bakersfield Mustang fans enjoy a driving experience that connects them to six decades of car history while providing the technology and comfort they need for today’s road trips.
Overview of the Ford Mustang
The Mustang debuted on April 17, 1964, transforming American car culture, setting an industry record with its first-year sales and introducing Americans to the pony car category that today’s drivers still find exciting. The Mustang story includes legendary models such as the 1965 team-up with Shelby, the 1969 Shelby GT500 Cobra Jet, the race-ready 2000 SVT Cobra R, and the sharp 2012 Boss 302. It’s been both a car and a movie star, appearing in many films spanning multiple genres, starting with James Bond’s Goldfinger back in ’64, which solidifies its place as a pop culture icon.
Today’s Mustang keeps this proud tradition alive as America’s top-selling sports car, now celebrating 61 years with options in both hardtop and convertible styles. Our Jim Burke Ford 2025 Mustang inventory includes nine trims: the EcoBoost Fastback, EcoBoost Convertible, EcoBoost Premium Fastback, EcoBoost Premium Convertible, GT Fastback, GT Premium Fastback, GT Premium Convertible, Dark Horse, and Dark Horse Premium.
Performance and Driving Experience
The Mustang’s performance makes it your perfect partner for California’s disparate driving conditions. The 2.3L EcoBoost engine produces 315 hp and 350 lb-ft of torque, paired with a responsive 10-speed automatic transmission that strikes a balance between fuel efficiency and performance. The 5.0L V-8 GT engine produces 480 hp and 415 lb-ft of torque; many sports car enthusiasts appreciate it, particularly with the six-speed manual transmission that features cool rev-matching technology. The Dark Horse’s modified 5.0L V-8 produces 500 hp and 418 lb-ft of torque, mated exclusively to a TREMEC six-speed manual gearbox.
The rear-wheel-drive setup gives you the balance and control that makes driving fun, whether you’re cruising through Bakersfield or driving on Northern California’s winding mountain roads. The suspension and handling components work in conjunction with multiple drive modes and the available MagneRide damping system to enhance control on all surfaces.
Cruising California’s Roads
California’s roads were made for Mustang cruising. Take the famous Pacific Coast Highway from San Francisco to Los Angeles, with its fantastic ocean views, or historic Route 66 through the Mojave Desert to the Santa Monica Pier. Our Jim Burke Ford team’s favorite drive is Route 395 from Lone Pine to Lake Tahoe, with its spectacular mountain scenery. Bakersfield offers convenient access to Southern California, the San Francisco Bay Area, the western coastline, and routes leading east.
From Bakersfield, you can easily reach spots such as the Death Valley Scenic Byway — just go in spring or fall when the weather’s nice enough to drop the top. The Golden Chain Highway winds through old mining towns with tons of character, while wine lovers can hit the Silverado Trail in Napa Valley for a perfect weekend getaway. If you want more wilderness, the Mojave Preserve offers 1.6 million acres to explore, with roads ranging from smooth to challenging. Most have speed limits of 55 mph or less, perfect for taking your time and appreciating the views.
Styling and Comfort
A Mustang turns heads instantly with its aggressive stance and timeless looks. The newest generation features a low, horizontal front with upper grille styling that pays homage to the ‘60s models, while incorporating modern LED headlights that honor tradition while illuminating the night. The wide grille, sharp headlights, muscular hood, and sleek fastback profile all combine to create that unmistakable Mustang silhouette. Those iconic three-bar taillights and tight rear overhang complete a look that stands out anywhere.
The Mustang’s cabin balances comfort with cool technology. You’ll enjoy a 12.4-inch driver display and a 13.2-inch touch screen running Ford’s SYNC 4. Your phone connects seamlessly with Apple CarPlay and Android Auto, while music lovers can opt for the 12-speaker Bang & Olufsen sound system. You’ll appreciate heated and cooled front seats, a heated steering wheel, and dual-zone climate control on long or short trips. You can choose from cloth, ActiveX, or mixed upholstery options to match your style.
Safety technology features include Ford Co-Pilot360, blind-spot monitoring, lane-keeping assistance, collision prevention with automatic braking, and smart cruise control, all designed to make road trips stress-free. Pick your color from several options, including Molten Magenta Metallic Tri-Coat, Race Red, Grabber Blue Metallic, Vapor Blue Metallic, Shadow Black, Oxford White, Iconic Silver Metallic, Carbonized Gray Metallic, Wimbledon White, and Blue Ember Metallic, which is exclusive to the Mustang Dark Horse. Some colors are only available on certain trims, and some cost a bit extra. They all look great under the California sun.
Local Appeal and Lifestyle
Bakersfield’s car culture and the Mustang just click. Our Central Valley location puts amazing weekend trips right at your fingertips. You can take a day trip to Sequoia National Forest for free access to trails such as the Trail of 100 Giants. Head just an hour northeast to Lake Isabella for some shoreline fun and a stop at Kern River Brewing Company. If you’re in the mood for a beach day, a two-hour drive puts you in Ventura with sand, surf, and ocean breezes — perfect with the top down.
Experience the Mustang Difference at Jim Burke Ford
The Mustang offers Bakersfield drivers the perfect blend of power, style, and history for exploring California’s stunning landscapes. If you’re into fuel efficiency paired with performance, the EcoBoost is ideal, while the GT provides a classic V-8 growl. Check out the Dark Horse for race-day performance and speed. Our Jim Burke Ford dealership is open seven days a week, but you may want to explore our financing options before you visit.
Test-Drive a New Mustang at Jim Burke Ford Today
Our Jim Burke Ford team understands what Central Valley drivers need, so don’t just daydream about cruising California highways in a Mustang — schedule a test-drive or a visit today. Call Jim Burke Ford at 661-328-3600 to talk about your Mustang options and take your first step toward joining the Bakersfield Mustang community. Your next California adventure could start behind the wheel of a Mustang.
