Well what way do you want to take it. OK first a no brainer Wings 3D say what you will it is an excellent program and there are a number of pics that made it to the front page of CG talk that used it and it is Free.

What platform are you on? I think nowdays ther eactually is more good budget programs on teh mac than the PC. (and I am a PC user) So for mac type of people try Cheetah 3D or Pixels 3D both cost about150$ and have rigging modelign and rendering that are quite good.

If on the PC well XSI is a top performer and less than 500$ has great renderign and animation tools. I found the demo a bit daunting. I personally use PMG messiah easy rigging and rendering. There is no modeler in Messiah. Modelers well rhino might be goot but I think poly sub is the way to go and Silo runs about a bit over 100. (poly modeling you get better control over mesh topology)

Personally I use PMG Messiah and wings. When I get some cash to spend again I do plan on getting Silo.

Blender is a powerful program too and well it is free. Get a nice thick book on  it download the progam and start studying.

Easy use I think Wings is the simplest modeler to learn followed by silo. I feel messiah is  less daunting than Lightwave or XSI. Basically because it is only animation rigging and rendering so there is less tools there to confuse you.

The wit of a misplaced ex-patriot.
I cheated on my metaphysics exam by looking into the soul of the person next to me.