1996 Subaru Outback using oil

1996 Subaru Outback All Wheel Drive Automatic 170500 miles

I have a 1996 Subaru Outback Legacy Wagon. I just purchased this car last week with 170000 miles on it and it runs and drive great. I think it has the 2.5 in it and I notice that when I drive it a lot it uses oil. It doesn't leak, or smoke, it just uses it. I also own a 96 Legacy LS-i with a 2.5 in it and that uses oil in the same way as my outback. Is this something you just have to keep an eye on with these cars or is there a way to fix it so that the oil levels stay normal between oil changes? Aside from the oil consumption they are a pretty good car.