2001 Malibu Noisy Lifters

Okay so I recent took over my mother 2001 Chevy Malibu. And this car has had noisey lifters since they day she purchased it new. The car has about 98,000 on the clock, and I really would like to quiet the engine down. Any ideas on what I should do. Are there any adjustments that I can make?? When first started it soulnds like the connecting rod is going to come through the valve cover. Oh BTW. The care runs fine, with no oil consumption, or anything odd other that the noise.