i love torchic.
i used to prefer mudkip as a starter, but then i decided to give torchic a chance. i always hated fighting types, which is why i figured i wouldn't enjoy it after it evolved, but i was pleasantly surprised to find that i liked it just as much, if not more, than mudkip.
(though, i will admit i've never tried treecko. i can only stand one or two of all the grass types out there, personally.)