Need Tire Help

ok, so after 15k miles, i need to replace my stock goodyears. i was thinking Hankook. i found them at www.tires.com in 275/40/17 for $106 first, are these just crappy tires, or has anyone ever used them before? also, my dad says i need to change the front too, b/c they will have different tread patterns and will ride rough. is this true?