Was 2013 a good year for Tacoma?

Yes. 2013 was generally a positive year for Tacoma, marked by improving employment, downtown redevelopment momentum, and cultural investments, though affordability and public safety remained ongoing concerns.

Eeconomic landscape in 2013

The year featured a mix of steady hiring, regional growth in trade and services, and ongoing efforts to diversify Tacoma’s economy beyond traditional sectors.

• Job growth across health care, education, and construction helped diversify the local economy.


• The Port of Tacoma and logistics-related sectors continued to support regional employment and ancillary business activity.


• Small businesses and startups contributed to a more active street economy in downtown and neighborhood centers.


• Overall consumer spending and investment gradually recovered after the recession, albeit with uneven improvements across neighborhoods.

Taken together, these indicators suggested that Tacoma entered 2013 with renewed economic confidence, even as gains were not evenly distributed across all communities.

Downtown vitality and culture

Downtown Tacoma continued to rebuild its identity as a cultural and commercial hub, with new venues, renovations, and a growing restaurant-and-retail scene attracting residents and visitors alike.

• Work on cultural institutions and arts programming helped reinforce Tacoma’s status as an regional arts destination.


• New eateries, breweries, and boutique retailers expanded the urban core’s appeal and street life.


• Continued waterfront and transit access improvements improved mobility to and through downtown.


• Residential and office space added density, contributing to a more vibrant Theater District and Market Street corridor.

These downtown gains underscored a broader revival mindset, even as critics noted ongoing concerns about affordability and traffic congestion in the city center.

Housing, affordability and demographics

Housing activity and neighborhood change were central themes in 2013, with new multifamily developments and debates about affordability shaping discussions among residents and policymakers.

The following items summarize housing and demographic trends observed that year.

• New apartment and condo projects helped expand Tacoma’s housing stock, particularly near the urban core and waterfront areas.


• Rental housing demand remained strong, highlighting affordability pressures for some residents and workers.


• Population growth and demographic shifts continued to influence school enrollment, transportation needs, and neighborhood services.


• Public and private investment aimed to balance growth with preserving the city’s character and access to housing for long-time residents.

Overall, housing and demographic trends in 2013 pointed to a city navigating growth with attention to affordability, access, and community stability.

Public safety, social issues and community programs

Public safety remained a priority in Tacoma’s 2013 narrative, with ongoing efforts to reduce crime and expand community engagement.

• Police-community partnerships and outreach programs aimed to improve trust and safety in neighborhoods.


• Criminal activity showed areas of improvement in some categories, even as overall levels remained a local concern.


• Investment in street lighting, traffic calming, and neighborhood programs sought to enhance quality of life.


• Nonprofit organizations and faith-based groups increased support for at-risk youth and housing stabilization initiatives.

In short, public safety and social support programs were a clear focus in 2013, delivering gradual progress alongside persistent challenges.

Education and workforce development

Education and workforce development were central to Tacoma’s strategy for building a skilled local economy in 2013, linking institutions with employers to broaden opportunity.

• The University of Washington Tacoma campus continued to expand its offerings and partnerships with local employers.


• Community colleges and vocational programs broadened training in applied sciences, healthcare, and trades.


• Industry-education partnerships and internship programs aimed to shorten paths from classroom to career.


• Public programs and private initiatives sought to align workforce skills with evolving regional job needs.

These efforts contributed to a clearer pathway for residents seeking higher education or career advancement, reinforcing Tacoma’s long-term growth prospects.

Bottom line and outlook for 2013

Looking back, 2013 can be seen as a year of momentum for Tacoma: economic improvement, downtown revival, and cultural investment complemented by ongoing concerns about affordability and safety. The year set a foundation for continued growth in subsequent years, with community-led initiatives and institutional partnerships reinforcing Tacoma’s trajectory.

Summary

2013 was a turning point characterized by gradual economic recovery, stronger urban vitality, and expanded cultural and educational activity. While challenges around housing affordability and public safety persisted, the overall tone was optimistic, signaling a city positioned for continued development in the years that followed.

What year was the worst year for Toyota Tacoma?

The worst years for the Toyota Tacoma are generally considered to be 2005–2010, with particular issues including frame rust and paint problems, and 2016–2017 for new-generation teething issues like transmission and engine problems. Other model years like 2006, 2007, and 2009 also have specific complaints, such as clutch issues, high repair costs, and drivetrain problems. 
You can watch this video for a detailed overview of Toyota Tacoma years to avoid: 55sEveryman DriverYouTube · May 30, 2024
Key model years to avoid and their common problems:

• 2005–2010 (Second Generation):
  • Frame Rust: A major issue in this generation, especially for models with poor drainage, leading to a class-action lawsuit.
  • Paint Issues: Problems with paint peeling and "spider-webbing" on the hood and roof, particularly on 2005–2011 models.
  • Head Gasket Failure: A known weak point on 2005 and 2006 models.
  • Engine/Transmission: Some models experienced clutch issues, while the 2007 model was cited for high repair costs and potential problems with accelerator sensors.
• 2016–2017 (Early Third Generation):
  • Transmission: Frequent complaints about rough shifting and slipping in the automatic transmission.
  • Engine: Reports of noise, stalling, and excessive oil consumption.
  • Vibrations: Excessive vibrations were also reported by owners.
  • Rear Differential: Some 2016-2017 models had underfilled rear differentials, causing a howling noise. 

This video discusses common problems to look for when buying a used Toyota Tacoma: 1mYourCarAngelYouTube · Jul 13, 2024
Tips for buying a used Tacoma:

• Inspect for rust: Thoroughly check the frame, especially on second-generation models, and look for any signs of rust or previous repairs. 
• Consider later models: Third-generation models from 2018 onwards generally have fewer issues, as Toyota worked out the bugs from the first few years. 
• Get a pre-purchase inspection: It's highly recommended to have a mechanic inspect any used Tacoma you are considering, particularly for issues like frame rust, transmission problems, and engine condition. 

Is a 2013 Tacoma reliable?

The 2013 Toyota Tacoma is considered a very reliable truck with a high rating of 4.5 out of 5 from J.D. Power. While it has a strong reputation for durability, especially for long-term ownership, some common issues to be aware of include potential valve spring breaks on certain engines, issues with the AC system, and a recall for valve springs in models manufactured between July 2013 and October 2013. 
Positive aspects

• High reliability ratings: It has a strong reliability score from organizations like J.D. Power. 
• Longevity: Many owners report their Tacomas lasting well beyond 250,000 miles. 
• Durability: It is known for being a durable and long-lasting truck. 

Potential issues and recalls

• Valve spring recall: An official recall was issued for certain 2013-2014 models due to a risk of valve springs breaking. 
• Air conditioning: Some owners have reported major AC components requiring replacement. 
• Other reported issues: Other common complaints include steering issues, faulty sensors, and interior/exterior trim problems. 

Important considerations

• Check for recalls: Verify if the specific vehicle has had the recall for valve springs addressed. 
• Inspect for issues: Before buying, it's a good idea to have the truck inspected for any of the other common problems mentioned, especially since the recall period has passed. 

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. 

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.