If you are completely new to 3D modeling, never took any classes, or ever build anything in 3D before. I do recommend you start with Google Sketchup. It has been designed to be the easiest way to introduce beginners to 3D. You can start building within seconds. For example every time you select a tool a helper window is open that explains very clearly the full use of that tool, and simple animations to get the point across. And the program can grow with you as you learn. It is very powerful. Sketchup also exports to the Collada 3D universal file format. That every other 3D program can open, and edit. And vice versa.
Once you get the hang of it, you can move on to the powerhouses like 3D Max, or Maya. Even tough I can use Max, I still do all my models in Sketchup because it is so increadably easy and fast to build. Then I open them up in Max for more advanced editing, to make them work in the Unreal game engine.
Hope that helps.