Let's just start by saying that you should change the brake pads every year and the rotors every other year, but for the price, I just change both every year (they're brakes, they wear out, no point in complaining about them).
And wheel bearings are a common problem in any car. You will probably have to change them at least once in your car's lifetime.
Other problems with my Cavalier have been the tranny (replaced), gas tank (replaced), CV joints (replaced), alternator (replaced once, which is common), corroded head light wires (replaced), fuel and brake lines (replaced), timing chain (replaced), none of the locks work, including the trunk, and the list goes on.