Usually I chose Cyndaquil. Not because it's a fire-type, or the fact that Typhlosion looks awesome. It was because his move pool was far superior, in my opinion, than Meganium or Feraligatr.
However, when I got my hands on Crystal, I decided to give Totodile a try, mainly because I usually choose the Water-type pokemon as a starter *i.e Squirtle, Piplup, Oshawott.*. That Feraligatr single-handedly wrecked the Elite Four, most of the Kanto Region, and practically swept Red, with the exception of his Venusaur, who fell to my Piloswine.