I learnt to fly on a Liberty XL (previously a few hours on the UAS Bulldog) and they were very unforgiving especially on landings (loads of ground effect), however it had a mean engine and cruised at 120kts. I now in a C152 group and they are exactly what people have said, easy to fly, cheap, unforgiving and because of the high wing zero (more or less) ground effect.
I'm pleased i flew the Liberty as it gave me some good experience early on in my aviation career.