I found this Tire Size Comparison tool helpful to measure impact of different sized tires.
I'm leaning between the Vredestein Sprint Classics (either the stock size 165/80r15 $119 or the larger 185/70r15 version $168) or some of the more well reviewed Amazon tires. You can get a Nankang CX668 for under $50 a tire.
My front tires are wearing down after 12k miles. My rear tires are just fine.