My first rifle was a Ruger 10/22. I now have a surplus polish AK, the 10/22 and a mossberg 500.
A good .22 LR rifle is a great starter gun, cheap ammo, really easy to maintain, its also very easy to improve your marksmanship with. My friends and I have sat outside all day shooting ours, it's a blast.
I would have to say go with a .22. For the manufacturer I would recommend Marlin or Ruger. I have seen a few nice Thompson Centers though.