Need Your Help in Choosing a New Set of Tires

[obxcassandra]

Hi All, I need your advice/recommendations on tires for my 2009 Yaris Hatchback. It came with stock 15 inch rims. I've read reviews for 3 days now and I am feeling information overload. lol
I'm replacing the Bridgestone's that came stock on my Yaris. They barely passed inspection, and the mechanic said I needed tires. I got 58,200 miles off this set of tires that came with the car when I bought it new from Toyota.
My morning commute is about 25 miles going down I-85, running between 70-75 mph, same coming back home. My other driving is about 4 to 5 miles to the grocery store, ect here in town.
We rarely get snow here in NC, but I will be purchasing snow/winter tires this winter nonetheless. (We had a few snow showers so I don't want to chance it now that I'm commuting so far away from home.)
Last year I ran over a nail, so my back right tire is practically brand new. It is a Nexel or Nexed, 165 something or another. (I read that when you buy new tires you should buy all 4 the same, so I thought I should add that.)
Since most of my daily driving is on the interstate (50 miles a day at least), a quiet, smooth and long wearing tire is important to me.
I have read good things about the Conti Plus, the Defender, the 747's and others.
Would you help me with recommendations?
Thank you in advance,
Cassandra