US savings bonds haven't really been a good buy in a long while. IMHO, these bonds are okay for giving to kids in anticipation of using for educational purposes but not for adults. I purchased one $100 Series EE bond for $50 in 4/1992. I checked it on Jan. 14, 2001 (I know the date cause I put a sticky on the front of the bond) and it was worth $90.32. I just checked it and it's now worth $128.92. I have interest of $78.92 because the interest is based on the ending value minus what you paid for the bond.
Here's the links:
http://www.treasurydirect.gov/BC/SBCPrice and
http://www.treasurydirect.gov/indiv/products/prod_eebonds_glance.htm