[3][4] In Japan, the Coaster was formerly produced by Toyota Auto Body at its Yoshiwara plant.

With its engine rated at 98 PS (72 kW), a RU19 Coaster could attain a top speed of 110 km/h (68 mph).

[12] Subsequent models used a variety of four and six-cylinder diesel and petrol engines, and an option of automatic transmission was later introduced.

A smaller alternative was later introduced at Toyopet Store locations, based on the Toyota ToyoAce called the Toyota HiAce which had the ability to carry up to 10 passengers but complied with Japanese Government regulations concerning exterior dimensions and engine displacement.

In August 1997, Toyota "Coaster Hybrid EV" minibus was launched, ahead of the Prius.

The LPG Coaster, fueled by liquefied petroleum gas, was developed specifically for the Hong Kong market and its air pollution problems.

[14] The Coaster is widely used in Singapore, Japan, Hong Kong, and Australia, but also in the developing world for minibus operators in Africa, the Middle East, South Asia, the Caribbean, Santa Cruz de la Sierra, Bolivia, Panama, and Peru as public transportation.

These buses are imported mainly from Asia and have the steering wheel moved to the left and the passenger door to the other side.

[15] In August 1977, the Coaster's model platform code was changed to the B series, although the vehicle itself was mostly unchanged.

The fourth generation Toyota Coaster was unveiled on 22 December 2016[18] and was made available for purchase in Japan on 23 January 2017.

The fourth generation Coaster incorporates many safety features as standard including air-bags for the driver and front passenger, Vehicle Stability Control (VSC), a ringed frame body for increased roll-over protection, pre-tensioners for the seat belts and force limiters which reduce the pressure on the passenger's chest in the event of a collision.

Retired Coasters are converted for home use by removal of most of the passenger seats, and the addition of beds, kitchens, TV, sink, water tanks, annexes and other fixtures.

[24] The Toyota Coaster has also been used as a road–rail vehicle on the Asato Line with extensive DMV modifications such as an elongated bonnet that houses a mechanism that deploys the front steel wheels and lowers the rear steel wheels which allows the vehicle to run on rails.