Welcome Mark
. First things first, what engine, how many miles and what tranny (auto or manual).
The hard steering could be due to dirty Power steering fluid (a good flush would help).
As for the hard shift to 2nd, if it is an auto, change the ATFluid and Turbine Shaft Speed Sensor.
ATFluid drain and refill in Transaxle FAQ
Turbine Shaft Speed sensor issue.
http://www.contour.org/ubbthreads/showflat.php?Cat=&Board=tranny&Number=257675&page=&view=&sb=5&o=&fpart=1&vc=1
and this
http://www.contour.org/ubbthreads/showflat.php?Cat=&Board=trouble&Number=1030582&page=&view=&sb=5&o=&fpart=all&vc=1
