Struts wouldn't make those noises typically. Beware of strut recommendations, I think most novice techs mistake undercoating or road grime for a leaking strut. I would check myself for oil around the strut and then push down on the front end a couple of times and watch the recoil of the body. If it tends to bounce more than twice they need to be replaced. They will squeek to if they are on the way out,(oil leaks out, seal becomes dry).

I couldn't diagnose your problems based off what you are describing, it could be a lot of things. I would check the exhuast manifold, that model tends to crack around the "Y" where the primary o2 sensor is located. Listen to the car next time you drive it and see if you notice anything more, how fast you are going?, what RPM? what gear?
etc...