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 posted this also in the samurai section but this might get more exposure i think

Having owned both, I would suggest a Tracker for a daily driver over that kind of distance. 

The ride in a Samurai is best described as "harsh" on the type of roads that you described.  I drove a Sammi to work for several years when I lived in the Chicago suburbs.  I had no problem keeping warm, even in subzero temps, as long as the engine was running.  when you shut it down, the interior cooled down very quickly.  The most annoying thing was every time a truck went by going the other way on a two lane, the velcro on the top would rip loose. 

The ride in a Tracker is a bit more civilized, the top is a better design, and the fuel consumption is comparable (25 mpg for the Sammi and 27 for the Tracker (on road in 2wd)).  The fuel injected engine is easier to start in extreme cold.   While the Sammi is awesome off-road, a stock Tracker is also very capable.  I would recommend a '96 or newer Tracker/Sidekick with a 16 valve engine and a 5 speed.

Yes, a Tracker or Sidekick is a much better choice over a Samurai in this situation.  A 4-door would probably be even better for your needs.

In your circumstances there is absolutely no other choice than a 4dr Tracker/Sidekick. It is far safer and easier for a family, especially when it comes to protecting your precious cargo!

As a daily driver I also would get a tracker/sidekick and a 4 door would be best for a all around rig.

A 2nd Generation Vitara would also be a good choice.  In addition to my Samurais/Kicks, I have a '99 GV and it is actually very civilized for what it is.  Plus, the V-6 is a substantial power boost.