OP, I would get an Anaconda to see if you like big ships to begin with. Feel free to engineer the internals, as all the core modules transfer very nicely into the Corvette (except the armor of course).
The Cutter is good at combat, arguably as good or even better in some cases than the Corvette. It is faster with better shield capability, but substantially worse maneuvering. In a wing, the Cutter is a better anchor ship IMO due to the better mass lock factor and speed.
I love my Corvette for combat, since I got it I rarely use my battleconda anymore. That being said, the Anaconda does mount slightly more firepower at the expense of less shield protection. The Anaconda also makes a better traveler in full combat form due to the much lighter hull mass.
The Cutter obviously is the best trader. No argument there.
I personally prefer the Corvette for combat, and the Anaconda a close second. The Cutter just maneuvers too slowly for my tastes, but I have seen it used very effectively in combat.
Edit: A lot of people say the Anaconda is the best explorer. It has the best jump range, but the supercruise maneuverability is pitiful, which becomes a chore if you do anything more than jump n' honk. With the 2.3 DBX buffs, the DBX will be right up there with the AspX and Anaconda for exploration. I don't consider any one of the big 3 to be the best at exploration.
