Chevrolet Repair: using oil, 2000 chevy cavalier, chevy cavalier

Question
Tom
I bought my daughter a 2000 Chevy Cavalier, 2.4 liter auto, a couple years ago. I was told it was a good car with few mechanical issues, and so far so good.
Compared to my other vehicles, however, 03 Ford Escape, and 00 Taurus,  it seems to use quite a bit more oil. In fact when she first got it she drove it until the oil was almost empty, assuming it would be OK. No damage was done (I hope).
I checked it today and the oil was at the 'add' level. Last oil change was about four months ago. The  oil itself was still pretty clean.She doesnt put that many miles on it, mostly city driving, in the neighbourhood. There are no leaks on the driveway.
Do you know if this is common for this vehicle/engine, or should I be concerned? Instead of going by the sticker I have told her to have the oil  checked each time she gets fuel and top up if necessary.
With the other cars, by the time the oil was at the 'add' level it was getting pretty dirty so I always got a change. With this car can I just top up the oil when low,  and only get a change when the oil is obviously deteriorating?
Thanks!

Answer
HI BUD,THIS IS A HARD QUESTION. THESE ENGINES AS A RULE DO NOT USE ALOT OF OIL. HOWEVER SOMEONE IN THE PAST COULD OF CAUSED SOME INTERNAL DAMAGE SUCH AS OVER REVING WHEN COLD,  BREAKING A COUPLE OF PISTON RINGS OR NOT CHANGING THE OIL OFTEN CAUSING WEAR ON THE RINGS..IF THERE ARE ALOT OF MILES ON THIS THE VALVE SEATS AND GUIDES COULD BE GOING BAD. AS FOR CHANGING THE OIL AT 3 TO 4K I WOULD CONTINUE DOING SO...I WOULD ALSO SWITCH TO A 20W-40 WT TO OIL SEE IF THIS HELPS. HOPE THIS HELPS TOM..