Horizon Fitness is fully owned by Johnson Health Tech., a Chinese manufacturer that has been in business for over 25 years. They also are the majority stockholders in Vision Fitness, Matrix Fitness, and AFG.

Horizon Fitness elliptical trainers are manufactured in Johnson's factory in China, the same factory as the Vision elliptical trainers. They compete head-to-head with lower priced Vision and Icon elliptical trainers.

The Importance of Horizon Fitness Elliptical Trainers

Horizon Fitness manufactures nine different elliptical trainers that are almost the same design. These trainers are rated at the low end of the quality scale, and are referred to as cheap by some people because of the cheap particle-brake drive systems which are disguised by Horizon's referring to them as "ECB."

Horizon Fitness elliptical trainers are sold in the United States by Dick's Sporting Goods, Sears, and The Sports Authority. A big problem is in the design of the trainers is cheap rollers that roll on tracks along the ground and collect dirt over time, resulting in a bumpy and uneven ride.

The mechanical braking system is known to have frequent problems and requires replacement of cheap components. This problem also wastes the user's time and money.

On the positive side, most Horizon Fitness elliptical trainers have some nice amenities built in, like fans and iPod docking stations.

Horizon Fitness Elliptical Trainer - E1200

This trainer is priced at around $2,600. Granted, this is one of the best elliptical trainers Horizon Fitness makes, but comparing apples to apples with competitive machines, they are way out of their price range here.

The best things about this trainer is that it comes with 16 different resistance levels, 16 different fitness programs, no-slip foot pad, and two amber LED windows with long alpha numeric display. Thankfully, it comes with a lifetime warranty on the frame.

Horizon Fitness Elliptical Trainer - E900

With an asking price of $2,200, this trainer is a bad value because of the numerous problems with the braking system and a resistance level that adjusts very slowly. Avoid this trainer at all costs.

Horizon Fitness Elliptical Trainer - CX-66

Users report that the feel and movement is very poor on this machine. The overall cost of this machine is $1,400.

Horizon Fitness Elliptical Trainer - EX-76

Price tag on this machine is around $1,200. This trainer also receives poor consumer ratings because of the cheap components used to build it. On the bright side, it does have more resistance levels and brighter displays than the other Horizon Fitness elliptical trainers.

Horizon Fitness Elliptical Trainer - SXE-7.7

This trainer has very nice non-slip articulating foot pedals. The bad news is that it has a very awkward looking display and uses the old roller track elliptical design.