I chose 3DSmax because that is the program I use at work., but I grew up using Cinema4D and am trained (and teach) in Maya. Although, even at work I do all my organic and complex modelling in Cinema because its modelling and Layout workflow is sooo much better than max. I also use it for 3D painting which I find better than Maya's.
I am intrigued to try out Modo, as you all speak so highly of it. Autodesk Automotive seems very interesting too.