which model generator should i use

which software should i use for making 3D models? i want opinions. which is better/easier: maya or 3dstudio? are there any free editors out there? what do most ppl prefer?

I use 3d studio to create my meshes and then translate them into opengl vertex arrays with 3d explorator. It’s a powerful combination in my opinion, and 3d studio is not really difficult if used only for modeling. Maya is supposed to be very good too but I have no experience with it.
Hope this helps