The initial version of the SEAT Toledo (Typ 1L) was launched as a four-door fastback saloon, and its sales career lasted from May 1991 to March 1999.

Later, the Toledo would see the addition of more powerful versions, including a 150 PS (110 kW; 148 bhp) 2.0 GTI 16v, and 110 PS (81 kW; 108 bhp) 1.9 TDI which, like many diesel engines built since 1996 by the Volkswagen Group, is advertised as capable of running on either mineral diesel or biodiesel.

[5] Apart from the Chery rebadged models, the first generation Toledo is also currently built by the Russian car maker TagAZ, rebranded as the Vortex Corda.

[6] The second generation Toledo (Typ 1M) was introduced in 1998, and made its début at the 1998 Paris Motor Show as a four-door notchback saloon.

[10][11][12] The early models were built at the Volkswagen/Audi plant in Belgium, with improved build quality (compared to the Spanish built previous generation), although the Toledo was still presented as an economic alternative to the lower level of the D-segment, and included in the basic price a high level of equipment.

One of the features most associated with the Spanish model, the tailgate was removed in favour of a more traditional four door saloon boot opening.

In 2003, SEAT Sport introduced the SEAT Toledo Cupra Mk2 in the European Touring Car Championship (ETCC) with drivers Jordi Gené, Frank Diefenbacher and former British Touring Car Championship winner Rickard Rydell, while the 'SEAT Sport Italia' Toledo Cupra Mk2 with Gianni Morbidelli also participated as an additional team.

The third generation Toledo (Typ 5P) was introduced in 2004, and as a production car made its début at the 2004 Paris Motor Show.

Its bodywork is completely different from the previous two generations: abandoning the traditional three box saloon format, the Toledo Mk3 has a five-door hatchback sedan design penned by Walter de'Silva, although now closer to a compact MPV with the Altea's front section, a high roof, and a rear end inspired by Renault Vel Satis, paying homage to the original Toledo's hatchback/saloon rear.

Updates include the arrival of a 170 PS (125 kW; 168 bhp) TDI engine in 2006, as well as a tiptronic gearbox in the 2.0 FSI model.

* only for some export markets Along with other SEATs, the Toledo has been a markedly reliable vehicle – more so than the Audi A3 and Volkswagen Golf, with which it shares platforms.

[21] A concept car based on the Toledo Mk4 production model was presented at the 2012 Geneva Motor Show.

[26] The SEAT Toledo CONNECT is part of a special edition line presented at the 2015 Frankfurt Motor Show.

awarded it 2 stars out of 5, noting that the Toledo is "at odds with the sporty image SEAT likes to portray its cars as having" while also having a firm ride.

[30] Autocar was slightly more positive, awarding it 3 stars out of 5, calling it a "no-nonsense family car", but criticised its driver appeal and bland design.