Well Crap...

[mechanicaldj]

have i mentioned bad tires yet?

and usually rotating the the tires from the rear doesn't help much because having perfect alignment on the rear wheels is nearly impossible,
most likely they will give you just as many problems as the front did

[jglutz]

Checking tie rods......on the Festiva:
Lift one or both front wheels off the ground.
Isert the key ans turn untill the steering column is unlocked.
Grab each wheel at both the 3 and 9 o'clock position.
Push with one hand while pulling with the other hand...then quickly reverse.
The resistance felt should be smooth and continuous.
If you do not feel smooth transition while reversing direction; most likely a tie rod is shot...either inner or outer.
Repeat for both sdes of the car.

Be aware: this test could indicate a wheel bearing or internal sterring rack or steering column problem.