Was 2005 a good year for Tacoma?

Yes. By several measures, 2005 was a relatively positive year for Tacoma, Washington, with steady job growth, ongoing waterfront and downtown redevelopment, and cultural investment, even as housing costs and traffic remained challenges.

To gauge whether 2005 was a good year, it's useful to look at three areas: the local economy and jobs, redevelopment and downtown vitality, and social conditions including housing and quality of life. Each area had its own mix of gains and pressure points in 2005.

Economic performance in 2005

Overview of the year’s economic climate in Tacoma, focusing on job creation, port activity, and business investment.

Several indicators point to a year of steady economic momentum in Tacoma. The local job market expanded as construction, healthcare, logistics, and service sectors added positions. The Port of Tacoma and related logistics activities continued to be a backbone of the regional economy, supporting jobs and regional trade. Downtown and neighborhood businesses benefited from a broader recovery, and consumer activity in Tacoma's urban core remained resilient.

Overall, those indicators suggest that 2005 was a positive year for Tacoma’s economy, without the dramatic swings seen in boom years but with reliable job growth and investment.

Key economic indicators for 2005 include:

• Steady job growth across construction, healthcare, logistics, and service sectors.


• Continued importance of port-related trade and logistics to the local economy.


• Rising business activity and consumer spending in the downtown area.

In summary, the year reflected a positive, stable economic climate for Tacoma rather than a sudden surge in economic activity.

Downtown and redevelopment

Redevelopment in Tacoma's downtown and along the waterfront continued to reshape the city in 2005.

Major redevelopment and cultural investment in 2005 encompassed several projects aimed at attracting residents, workers, and visitors:

• Expansion of arts and cultural venues and an expanding mix of dining and retail options in the urban core.


• The ongoing transformation of the Thea Foss Waterway and adjacent neighborhoods into mixed-use districts with offices, housing, and public spaces.


• Growth in university presence and related activities around the University of Washington Tacoma campus, drawing students and researchers to the area.

These downtown and waterfront initiatives contributed to a more vibrant city center and helped Tacoma position itself as a regional hub.

Housing and cost of living

In 2005, Tacoma's housing market reflected broader regional trends, with rising prices and increased construction, alongside ongoing affordability concerns for some residents.

Key housing factors in 2005:

• More homes and condominiums came onto the market in sought-after neighborhoods, supporting growth but reducing inventory in some segments.


• Demand from renters and buyers near downtown and near UW Tacoma contributed to rising rents and home prices.


• Mortgage rates remained favorable by historical standards, helping buyers but also contributing to price growth, and affordability remained a concern for long-term residents.

Taken together, housing activity supported Tacoma's growth in 2005 while foreshadowing affordability challenges that would become more pronounced later in the decade.

Social indicators

Quality of life depends on crime, schools, and culture; 2005 saw mixed outcomes.

Key social themes in 2005:

• Crime trends: Tacoma worked to stabilize some neighborhoods with targeted policing and community programs, though pockets of violent crime remained a concern in certain areas.


• Education and culture: The University of Washington Tacoma continued to expand its presence, along with improvements in the Tacoma School District and growing arts and cultural programming.


• Quality of life: New parks, waterfront access, and entertainment options contributed to livability and attracted residents and visitors.

Overall, social indicators in 2005 suggested progress in livability and educational and cultural opportunities, while underscoring ongoing challenges in safety and equity common to many urban areas.

Challenges and considerations in 2005

While 2005 had positives, it wasn't without issues: traffic and transportation efficiency, housing affordability pressures, and environmental and infrastructure needs persisted.

• Transportation and traffic congestion around major corridors and the waterfront.


• Affordability pressures in housing and rising rents in key neighborhoods.


• Environmental cleanup and balancing waterfront redevelopment with economic growth.

These challenges tempered some of the positive momentum and required ongoing efforts by city leaders, businesses, and residents.

Summary

Overall, 2005 was a good year for Tacoma in terms of economic momentum, downtown vitality, and livability improvements, though it was not without ongoing challenges around housing affordability, traffic, and infrastructure. The year helped set a constructive trajectory for Tacoma as it entered the mid-2000s and laid groundwork for later growth.

What year to stay away from Tacoma?

The Toyota Tacoma years to avoid include 2006, 2009, 2016, 2017, and 2019 due to issues like frame rust, transmission problems, and engine issues. Other problematic years include 2005, 2007, and 2012, which also have known issues.
 
This video explains the Toyota Tacoma models to avoid: 39sShifting LanesYouTube · Oct 6, 2021
Second Generation (2005–2015) 

• 2005–2010: Prone to significant frame rust due to poor drainage, which can lead to costly repairs or replacement. 
• 2006: Suffers from frame rust, and has transmission issues such as slipping and hard shifting. 
• 2007: Experienced a spike in complaints related to body, engine, and drivetrain issues. 
• 2009: Had numerous complaints about the radio, and also featured frame rust issues. 
• 2012: Saw an increase in engine stalling and hesitation, and issues with the electronic stability control system. 
• 2015: Had a spike in complaints about transmission failures and faulty drivetrain components. 

Third Generation (2016–Present) 

• 2016: The first model year of the third generation, it has the most complaints, including transmission problems (rough shifting, slipping), engine issues (stalling, oil consumption), and infotainment system glitches. 
• 2017: Continues with transmission problems, rough and noisy steering, and issues with interior material quality. 
• 2019: Reports of sluggish and clunky transmissions with jerking and vibrating, and safety recalls for fuel pump issues. 

What are common 2005 Tacoma problems?

Gear selector and linkage, transmission computer, transmission sensor or solenoid, clutch adjustment, rough shifting, slipping transmission, leaks.

Which Tacoma years are worth avoiding?

A: The years to avoid, specifically 2006, 2007, 2008, 2009, 2011, 2012, 2016, and 2017, have reported significant issues such as body and paint problems, engine mishaps, faulty interior accessories, drivetrain and engine defects, and problematic transmissions.

Is the 2005 Toyota Tacoma reliable?

The 2005 Toyota Tacoma is generally considered a reliable and durable truck, with many owners reporting high mileage and low ownership costs. However, potential issues include frame rust, particularly in areas with road salt, and problems with leaf springs. Other common concerns are leaks from the timing chain cover and valve covers, and a noisy transmission in some manual models.
 
You can watch this video to learn about common problems with the 2nd generation Toyota Tacoma: 1mYourCarAngelYouTube · Jul 13, 2024
Positive aspects

• Longevity: With proper maintenance, these trucks are known to last for 250,000 to 300,000 miles or more. 
• Low ownership costs: The average annual repair cost is lower than average, though repairs can be more severe when they do occur. 
• Consumer ratings: Owners consistently rate it highly for reliability and performance, with many recommending the vehicle. 

Potential issues to check

• Frame rust: Inspect the frame for rust, as a faulty factory coating made some frames susceptible, especially in areas that use road salt. 
• Leaf springs: The rear leaf springs can break, so check their condition and arc. 
• Oil leaks: It is common to find minor leaks from the timing chain cover or valve covers. While often not serious, they are worth noting. 
• Transmission and driveline: Some manual transmissions can develop noisy U-joints, and the 4WD system can seize if not engaged regularly. 
• Electrical issues: The fan speed control resistor is known to fail, and the center console latch can break. 

This video explains how to check for common problems in a 2nd generation Toyota Tacoma: 54sAutoMotivateYouTube · Aug 15, 2021