'97 sunfire gt = bad shocks?

I just bought a '97 sunfire gt (my first car). I've noticed when I hit even small pot holes the whole car dips and it is really stiff. my question here is actually 2 things. Is the stock shocks on a '97 sunfire gt bad or maybe did the person before cut the springs? sorry for the lack of car knowledge I am just beginning to learn how a cars works and all that.

most likely it doesnt have shocks it should have struts front and back and it sounds like that is your problem you can replace them yourself if you know how i dont think the springs are cut there is no reason to do this it is very easy to replace the struts but you will have to get a allinement done when you are finished

if you change the front struts, check the bearings in the tower.