I currently have a Dodge cummins that gets ok fuel mileage at best, but diesel is ridiculously expensive and getting worse.  How suitable is a stock(ish) samurai for a daily driver commuting about 60 miles round trip up and down a mountain every day.  The road is paved but not in good shape, and power isnt to much of an issue cause you cant go more than 30 mph anyway on the road.  I would also like to be able to do some very mild off roading on weekends on hunting property, camping trips etc.

I would like to know what type of mileage i can expect out of the samurai, how rough the ride is, if its a soft top how hard it is to keep the inside warm etc.

I also have a 2 month old daughter that gets bounced around pretty good in the dodge, could i expect the samurai to be a bit of a softer ride for her.  Also is there enough room in the back seat of  a Sami to put a car seat.  We normally take the wife's car when we all need to go somewhere but if it snowed or was an emergency I would like for her to be able to ride comfortably in the vehicle.
 
Sorry for the novel, but would a Samurai fit these needs

I would look into the Sidekick/Trackers, far better as a DD Especially on the back dirt roads IMHO.

The ride on the Sidekicks are far better for carting a youngin around, But for that reason alone I would look into a 4door sidekick, a hardtop with real protection for rear passengers unlike the conv sammi or 2dr conv sidekicks

they are great infact i am selling my suzuki samurai right now that is completely stock and everything

http://phoenix.craigslist.org/evl/cto/2780403434.html
thats the link to it.

How capable are the sidekicks off road

They are plenty capable, and you can expect to get around 27 mpg if you stick with tires around 235/75 R15, which measure out to just under 29".  Any larger and you start to suck a bit more fuel and loose a bit more power.

I love the Sammy, but they are not the softest riding vehicle without some modifications and a bit low on power.  If your willing to make the sacrifices though they are great for climbing around on trails.  That being said, my Tracker is a lot more comfortable then my SJ and BRD HNTR's doesn't get tossed around near as much when driving along trails with lots of bumps.

IMO after working on both the Sidekick and the Sammy I'd be looking for a late model Samurai.
 While the Sammy is defiantly a UTILLITY vehicle akin to a cj5 or land cruiser fj40. It - by design is a much more durable rig than a Sidekick. The Kick is more of a car with a front diff than a utility...softer ride , more aerodynamic , More plastic , etc. etc.
 The late model Sammy is fuel injected tough as nails and a legendairy wheeler. And just plain fun to own.... JMHO......Boxcar...

I also have a 2 month old daughter that gets bounced around pretty good in the dodge, could i expect the samurai to be a bit of a softer ride for her.  Also is there enough room in the back seat of  a Sami to put a car seat.  We normally take the wife's car when we all need to go somewhere but if it snowed or was an emergency I would like for her to be able to ride comfortably in the vehicle.
 
Sorry for the novel, but would a Samurai fit these needs

For fun rides around or even for a day out it would be OK, if you're gentle, but I wouldn't suggest it as a daily driver with a 2yr old.  I don't think it would be very dangerous, but it wouldn't be very comfortable.

You guys have all forgoten how much fun it is to be a kid . When that kid is 30 years old he/she will still have fond memories of bouncing around in daddy's samurai.....

LOL.... Boxcar I'm 54 and still a kid.. I drive my Sammy daily because it's FUN. For 5 years I road a bicycle / walked to work for the fitness / fun. That changed the day the Samurai build started. I have "other" fun vehicles but my daily choice is the Sammi. I run pretty much all summer with just the bikini top on. I watch the weather forcast and drive when its appropriate. If I chance it and it rains I throw on a car cover until it stops.

Best thing for me is next to where I work is 10 miles of off road railroad tracks Thats my sell take it for what it's worth.... I really like mine and the form it's beginning to take!

                                                                     Tux...   

AMEN BROTHER....Boxcar...