Hi! I am currently a freshman and I have just finished my first semester. We have a 4x4 block schedule at my school and we are already starting to plan next school year’s courses. AP World History is only offered one semester for freshmen, so I will be taking it this semester. AP US History is spread out over two semesters for sophomores, and I am not sure if I want to take it. I currently have a 4.0 GPA, and the sophomores currently enrolled in APUSH say that the class has really ruined their GPA (the first semester is not weighted) and that the teacher does not teach at all. I’m really interested in American history, but I’m starting to think that maybe I should take US History Honors for one semester and take another class I’m interested in, such as AP Psychology. I’m planning to wait until I have taken AP World for a few weeks before I make my final decision, but I would really appreciate some input! 
If you’re interested in APUSH, and you believe that you will have the drive and passion to devote your time and efforts to the course, take it.
APUSH is a course that can be easily managed if you keep up with the workload. In fact, a teacher does not need to teach in APUSH in order for students to be successful. My APUSH teacher, who is one of the best teachers I’ve ever had, seldom taught us new material in class. She would reaffirm the textbook reading we were assigned the night before, and she often emphasized the more laissez-faire nature of the class. If the teacher does not teach, read the textbook by yourself. Get review books (my person recommendation is AMSCO). Work hard. It will pay off.
What else would you be taking?
You could take honors history and AP psychology OR APUSH, you wouldn’t be 'penalized ’ for that unless apush turned out the sole AP class available.
I agree entirely with Wolfgangbread . Like you, I had the option to take APUSH (though I was a freshman), and I ended up choosing to take the class over our more generic American studies course. Similar to you, I enjoy U.S. history and knew an American history class would be fun for me. I suppose you have a case against taking APUSH if the teacher cannot teach the curriculum, but even then a good textbook is really all you need. If you have a strongly developed work ethic that would enable you to take initiative and regularly take notes on the textbook, even when the teacher doesn’t require it, then you’re well on your way to success in the class. So, go for it! I’m sure that if you’re passionate about U.S. history you’d regret not pushing yourself and taking APUSH. The reward of succeeding in APUSH would, in my opinion, far exceed any sense of safety you’d feel by taking the honors course and “protecting your GPA,” in a way. Have fun with it, and most of all learn to enjoy U.S. history.
And with regards to AP World History, I’ve heard that class is far more comprehensive than APUSH, just with regards to the scope of material covered. If you can handle AP World with flying colors, and you enjoy U.S. history, APUSH should be more manageable for you. Best of luck!