Since 1963, Harris Insights and Analytics, a market research firm, has run one of the longest running surveys–dubbed the Harris Poll–measuring public opinion in the U.S. and the 2018 version has been released.
Based on consumer response, the poll showcases a wide range of the strongest brands in various sectors including the media, travel, financial, automotive, entertainment, retail, restaurant, technology, household and nonprofit industries.
This year, Harris polled more than 77,000 U.S. consumers, comparing more than 3,000 brands across more than 300 categories.
Here’s just a few categories and their results.
Food Category:
- Best Mexican Restaurant: Taco Bell
- Best Burger Restaurant: Five Guys
- Best Coffee Shop: Krispy Kreme
- Best Chicken Restaurant: Chick-fil-A
- Best Pizza: Blaze Pizza
- Best Sandwich Shop: (TIE) Subway and Panera
- Best Ice Cream/Frozen Yogurt: Ben & Jerry’s
- Best Casual Dining Restaurant: (TIE) The Cheesecake Factory and Texas Roadhouse
Banking:
- Best Bank: Capital One
- Best Super Regional Bank: BB&T Bank
- Best Online Bank: Barclays Online Bank
Best Online Home Search: Zillow.com
Media and T.V.
- Best Pay Cable TV Network: HBO
- Best News Service: BBC News
- Best TV News: The Weather Channel
- Best TV Network: PBS Television Network (Public Broadcasting Service)
- Best General Entertainment: AMC Television Network (American Movie Classics)
- Best Kids TV: Disney Junior Television Network
- Best Factual Entertainment: History Channel
- Best Sports TV: ESPN Television Network
- Best Social Networking Site: YouTube
- Best Video Streaming Subscription: Netflix
- Best Internet Radio Service: Pandora Internet Radio
- Best Media Streaming Device: Amazon Fire TV/Fire Stick
Travel
- Best Full-Service Airline: Hawaiian Airlines
- Best Value Airline: Southwest Airlines
- Best Cruise Line (TIE) Disney Cruise Line and Royal Caribbean International
- Best Rental Car: Enterprise
- Best Economy Hotel: Microtel Inn & Suites
- Best Extended Stay Hotel: Home2 Suites by Hilton
- Best Luxury Hotel: Four Seasons Hotels and Resorts
- Best Upscale Hotel: Courtyard Marriott
- Best Premium Hotel: Marriott Hotels
Retail and Automotive
- Best Department Store: Kohl’s Department Stores
- Best Hardware & Home Store: The Home Depot
- Best Luxury Department Store: Nordstrom Department Stores
- Best Off-Price Retailer: TJ Maxx Stores
- Best Major Appliances: KitchenAid Appliances
- Best Smartphone: Apple iPhone Smartphones
- Best Sporting Goods Store: DICK’S Sporting Goods
- Best Tablet Computer: Apple iPad Tablets
- Best Wireless Carrier: Verizon
- Best Full Line Automotive: Honda Vehicles
- Best Luxury Automotive: Lexus Vehicles
- Best Tires: Michelin Tires
- Best Package Delivery: UPS (United Parcel Service)
- Best Payment Card: Visa
Contact Ed at Ed.Dean@FloridaDaily.com
