The [Modeling Forum](http://www.renderosity.com/messages.ez?ForumID=12402) has links to a few freeware modelers, which should get you started. Renderosity also has forums dedicated to many commercial modeling applications (3DS Max, Lightwave, Maya, trueSpace, etc.).

I prefer MilkShape 3D, myself. Most of my Free Stuff items were made with this program, and I've created toon-style characters with it for Poser, as you can see above.

(Sam Starfall Mark Stanley, Freefall)