They do seem to get good reviews. I have a Washburn 12 string, and I generally think Washburn is an ok guitar. I have a friend that has a Washburn electric (forget the model) and he likes it quite a bit. Nuno Bettencort even has a sig model (I probably spelled his name wrong.

Never having played one, I'm going to guess it's probably fine for a first guitar. What you will want to invest in is a good amp. That's going to define your sound more than the guitar. In my experience, starter amps leave something to be desired.