A disordered version of the one-dimensional asymmetric exclusion model
where the particle hopping rates are quenched random variables is stu
died. The steady state is solved exactly by use of a matrix product. I
t is shown how the phenomenon of Bose condensation whereby a finite fr
action of the empty sites are condensed in front of the slowest partic
le may occur. Above a critical density of particles a phase transition
occurs out of the low-density phase (Bose condensate) to a high-densi
ty phase. An exponent describing the decrease of the steady-state velo
city as the density of particles goes above the critical value is calc
ulated analytically and shown to depend on the distribution of hopping
rates. The relation to traffic flaw models is discussed.