The old "every 3 months or 3000 miles" (5000 km) oil change interval nowadays is good for only one thing: helping your dealer's service department stay busy. I know lots of dealers advertise their own service schedule that is very different from what is in the car's owner's manual.
My Jetta TDI called for an oil change every 16,000 km but you had to use a special oil that met a specific VW standard. I used that oil, and changed it every 16,000 km as per the service book, and that car did a fair bit of trailer towing as well, and I sold it at 430,000 km with no engine issues.
The Chrysler dealer that I bought my van from still wants it in every 3 months or 5000 km (= 3000 mi) just like in the old days ...
I think it depends on vehicle overall...from a physical perspective, the mileage per change really would boil down to the power output of the engine/how high it revs/forced induction or not, and also how much oil it takes plus if it uses synthetic from the factory or not. That said, I totally agree that a lot of time it boils down to how often they want you in for an oil change in order to make money.
For my 2006 Accord, it calls for oil changes every 10,000km or so based on the maintenance computer in the car. Typically I'd go with what it said +-1000km but I used synthetic and always changed the filter for cheap insurance. The bike actually calls for a change every 12,000km, but since I don't ride that much in a given season (typically 5,000-8,000km), it just gets changed out once a year unless I actually do ride more than expected.
As for the original question...I guess if I were the OP I'd look at Civics (different ranges, as maybe seats changed generation to generation), as well as the Accord, Acura RSX, Toyota Corolla, Camry, VW Golf, etc. Personally not a fan of domestic brands, especially if buying used from a few years ago. I'd also stay away from Nissan...I used to not mind them, but my parents have a 2010 Altima that has been falling apart for years, and is already on a rebuilt engine. That said, it does seem that Ford is making a lot of improvements in newer models. If I personally had to buy today I'd probably look at either the new Ford Mustang (V8 model) or the Subaru/Toyota BRZ/FRS. I'd also look at the BMW 2 or 4 series, but I can't justify the pricing on them, as much as I do like them.
I can also personally vouch for my 2006 Honda Accord V6 manual coupe...has pretty much been bullet-proof since I bought it new that year, needing only oil changes, brakes, tires, etc. First major thing it needs will be the timing belt and water pump this year, but that's a rare occurrence (every 150,000km according to manual).
