By brake pads, I assume you're talking about disc brake pads (as opposed to drum brake shoes - rear).
Pads can be regular (asbestos) or semi-metallic. The regulars are less expensive, usually don't last as long, fade when hot or wet. The semi's are pretty much the opposite, and stop the vehicle better. A semi-metallic pad is harder on the rotor - especially the lesser expensive pads.
Shoes are almost always asbestos - it is very difficult to bond semi-metallic shoe material to the brake shoes.
Brands - I use Bendix TituMetallic. Ford uses Bendix brakes, and the Titu's work better than the factory originals. They also do not tear up the rotor like some pads. I tried Bendix's Fleet pads, but they cost more, and didn't work as well for me. They were also harder on the rotor.
Mileage - I don't know. I'm put in my 4th set (including the originals) at ~150K miles.