If it says that you'll "lose weight in your thighs, hips etc." then they're stretching the truth. You can't lose weight in just one part of your body (this is called spot reduction, it's a common misconception). However, if you do cardio exercises regularly, you will lose weight throughout your entire body, INCLUDING those regions mentioned above.
Only you can make a machine "good" by training hard. If you're making yourself have a tough, intense workout, then that machine is doing its job. Personally, I wouldn't stray from what works (cycles, running, elliptical, treadmills).
Here are some cardio exercises that have proven themselves over the years:
Good luck!
