How often do you have to change oil in a 2001 Pontiac Sunfire? Consumer Reports is suggesting that newer cars (and I don't know if this means anything after the year 2000) probably can last longer than the recommended 3000 miles... sometimes up to 7000 miles. Any truth to this?

3,000 to 4,000 miles is a good conservative number. With the more advanced conventional base oils that are so highly refined I wouldn't hesitate to push the interval out to 5,000 miles, provided you're using a higher quality oil filter (definitely don't use the cheap versions like those at quick lubes). Also note that oil stored in bulk storage tanks need to breathe and very few have filters to prevent dust and dirt from being virtually being sucked into these tanks...adding more dirt into what is thought to be clean oil. Therefore, I change my own oil to ensure I start out with the cleanest oil possible. I dispose of my used oil at a fast lube as they get close to $.45 per gallon for their used oil. 3,000 to 4,000 miles is a good conservative number. With the more advanced conventional base oils that are so highly refined I wouldn't hesitate to push the interval out to 5,000 miles, provided you're using a higher quality oil filter (definitely don't use the cheap versions like those at quick lubes). Also note that oil stored in bulk storage tanks need to breathe and very few have filters to prevent dust and dirt from being virtually being sucked into these tanks...adding more dirt into what is thought to be clean oil. Therefore, I change my own oil to ensure I start out with the cleanest oil possible. I dispose of my used oil at a fast lube as they get close to $.45 per gallon for their used oil.