Blender
Blender is the fully feature packed 3d modelling and animation package that is totally free. This software has always wanted to lead the way and set the example and rather than just be a free program with a few features is now a fully packed program that as far as i can see can match the big boys.
However. . . The one thing that in particular put me off (and a few other others) has always been the user interface. It's so different to anything you may have used before, you right click to select things and practically everythings is driven by keyboard shortcuts. This is what put me off a few years ago and up until recently i avoided using it.
Thankfully though i gave it another try and found that once i got over the initial steep learning curve i have to say it all makes sense. Also the user interface has been revamped and now makes a lot more sense. Everything is nicely organised so i suggest you give it a go.