It depends on where you want to end-up. Sure, the PA28 is fine if you are going to spend a few years flying in straight lines impressing your family and friends before hanging-up your headset. Unfortunately, even the best instructor will have difficulty teaching you some of the finer points of aviation in this aircraft as it is designed for cruise, not to train. I guarantee that the first time you revalidate with a hairy old ex-RAF examiner he will nag you for being out of balance and lazy with your feet.
If you want to have a better foundation, the 152 is the aircraft to learn in (the 172 is a bit like the PA28 as far as handling is concerned). You will learn more about effects of controls, energy management, landing technique etc.
Taking this to an extreme, find a school with a Cub, Chipmunk, Tiger Moth or something similar where you will truly learn the art of handling.
All that said, a huge percentage of PPLs come down the PA28 route, most are absolutely content and we don't experience hideous problems. What do you want to be, a 75% 'satisfactory' pilot or an 85% 'above average'?