I started learning in a 172, and just wasn't up to landing the thing. It was too heavy in the flare and kinda stodgy feeling.
I switched to gliders, then to a Citabria and did ok. I also did some time in a 152 and just loved the thing to bits.
Passed ppl in Citabria, then mainly flew the 152.
By 90 hours, I was ok to be let lose in a 172, though I still far prefer the 152.
If anyone is considering it, I definitely reccomend the 152 or pa38 for learning in, then switch to the bigger stuff later. You will save money and have less risk of a **lot** of bad landing experiences like wot I had
.