Welcome to the fourms, Roadtrip. You're right about limited visibilty to the rear, but you'll get use to it and take measures to compensate. You just have to get the most out of your three mirrors and what you can see by turning your head.
Also, if you need to see the curb while parallel parking, just aim the side mirror down as far as it will go.
This quote is good advice. My GMC Envoy does that automatically (set by computer in the car). You put the car in reverse and the words "curbview activated" comes up on the dash. That is real handy to see how far you are from the curb, but how often do we actually parallel park these days. Most all parking is in lots with a drive in and out, or an occasional back out of a space.
I'm more concerned with changing lanes at higher speeds not knowing if someone may be riding in my blind spot. I check the mirrors, give my head a quick turn, and then check the mirror again with a little neck stretching. The key is moving your body and head a little to make sure nothing is in your blind spot. Sitting straight up and relying totally on what you see in your mirrors will work most of the time. Do you feel lucky?
Bob