I think it's a great game. As long as you don't expect FPS tactics to work, you'll do well. Actual tank tactics and teamwork work, with everyone playing their roles.
I suggest you ignore the 1v1 "Tutorial" matches and jump right into the multiplayer. Usually on the 1v1 matches, you face experienced players with better tanks and just get ganked - no fun at all and it turns off most people. To get a real feel for the game, you've got to play the normal matches. When you die (quickly) watch what the surviving tanks are doing and learn to play that way.
The best tank to start out with is the American one, mostly because the next tank you get (the M2) is a very fast and fun tank to play. Also, if you hide in bushes, you're practically invisible and can set up ambushes - an easy way to get early experience.