As a musician I was alway told, and I believe that if you buy a junk guitar you will play junk music and loose interest fast. When I started out playing guitar in the 8th grade I purchased a brand new Ibanez guitar and a Marshall Half Stack. I loved it I learned how to play and didn't loose interest. I had friends that bought the cheap guitar and a low budget amp and they did loose interest.

I recommend buying the best you posibly can, there are alot of great acoustic guitars like: Epiphone EJ-160E John Lennon Acoustic-Electric
Ovation 1778T Elite T Series Acoustic-Electric Guitar
Ibanez AEF30E Cutaway Acoustic-Electric Guitar
Washburn D10SCE Cutaway Dreadnought Acoustic-Electric Guitar
Martin DCX1E Acoustic-Electric Guitar
Yamaha FG720S Acoustic Guitar
Takamine EG523SC Acoustic-Electric Guitar
Just to name a few of some of the best to purchase. There are hundreds of others. Go to the music store and sit down and play some, you'll find the one you like.

start with a cheap acoustic guitar - less than $100. I don't preach brand names for beginners because so many think they want to play guitar & then find out later its too much work. Go cheap until it becomes obvious to upgrade.

Get an electric to start off you'll find it much easier to learn on.

I have been playing guitar over 40 years and I am writing a beginner guitar website.
Don't buy a beginner guitar based only on what other people say is the best.
Do buy the best guitar you can afford, quality guitars sound better and are easier to play.

There are thousands of different guitars out there and to know which one to buy is a personal decision based on your own musical interests, type of music you want to play, quality of sound you want, ease of playability, and last but not least how much you are willing to spend.
Before you spend your money it's wise to arm yourself with knowledge, and I have a whole chapter on my website at http://www.introductiontoguitar.com/.../...inner-guitar.html
It's packed with information that can help you make a decision you will be happy with.
Check it out it's completely free.

I wish you success
Pete

Three choices of your basic guitar.

Acoustic (Steel string guitar)

Classical (Nylon string gutar) What I play mainly

Or the electric guitar, but you have to also get an amplifier and the cords as well.

Any of these guitars can be adapted for use in a wide variety of styles of music.

stratocaster start with the best