Axew is a great choice for a starter Pokemon. I'm patient enough to train it to level 48. Obtaining Haxorus will be a pain in the ass, but it's worth it. Just imagine how much destruction I'll have with one of the strongest Generation V Pokemons in my party midway through the game.
However, there are other choices to choose from, like Deino and Golett. I'm not really a fan of Hydreigon's sprite, so that's why I prefer Axew's evolution line over Deino's. I don't know why I like Golett so much, but I do. Golett's evolution, Golurk, reminds me of a megazoid. Maybe this is why I want it so much...
Rufflet is adorable and its evolution is amazing. I'd never be seen battling with its female counterpart, however.