I have a bad shudder noise coming from front right suspension over
small and large bumps. I know the car needs new shocks, but this
affects steering -- like bump-steer and redirection over unevenness.
Any known issues with this vehicle, or just due for a
steering/suspension overhaul?

If it's the latter, is there any way to improve the handling while
retaining ride height and quality, or is the factory set up pretty much
as good as that gets?