We got a 2003 Civic for a new driver (16) this summer, had some surprisingly good rubber on it.
Caldera "Confidence" from Les Schwab - house brand there I think. just looked at they are $61/ea there for the civic.
I've been driving the car daily for the last 2.5 weeks so as to find any bugs before handing it to him in late december. I'm around Seattle and had occasion to drive it in dry, wet (and VERY wet), freezing temps and on hard frozen dirt (long driveway). It has done well in all conditions; I was leery but have been pleased and have no reason to change them or worry when he drives it full-time (still go this permit, full license after Christmas). I'm picky about tires and these pass the test.
On our lexus we have Cooper C6 Ultra's for the last year. Great, great tire.
As to a deal, forget the tire shops and go to your Ford Dealership, or check them out. Chevy/GM and Ford have had a ~$200 rebate available the last month or two. AND, they will price-match the lowest local price for the tire. I took the every day price for Continental CrossContacts into the local Chevy dealer, they matched it, and will rebate me $200 more. So I will get ~$800 tires installed on my SUV next week for $400, way better tires and cheaper than the best good Black Friday sales I could find. The Chevy deal ended Yesterday and the Ford deal ends tomorrow (12/2).